All iPhone models, including the iPhone 15, which are currently sold in global markets; are equipped with Qualcomm modems, but apparently Apple does not want this situation to continue and is trying to equip the iPhone with its own 5G modems.
Ming Chi KuApple’s supply chain analyst, by publishing a post on X social network, claims that Apple has started working on its own 5G modems since 2018 and will use these modems for the first time in iPhones that will be released in 2025. Of course, this does not include the iPhone 16 series.
According to Chi Kuo, Apple plans to launch two iPhone models, including the fourth generation iPhone SE and a new ultra-thin model of the iPhone 17, in the first and third quarters of 2025, respectively; Both phones will come with Apple’s own 5G modem.
According to Qi Kuo’s estimate, Apple is likely to increase the production level of its dedicated 5G modem-equipped processors to 35-40 million units in 2025, and is expected to increase the production volume of this product to 90-110 million in 2026 and 160-180 million units in 2027.
Ming-Chi Kuo says that although Apple has extended its contract with Qualcomm to supply the 5G modems needed in its iPhones until 2026, it can still be hoped that by then Apple will ship iPhones with its own modem, not a modem. Made by Qualcomm.
In 2019, Apple acquired the rights to make modems for Intel phones as part of an effort to produce its own proprietary 5G processors. It is not yet clear whether Apple modems have an advantage over Qualcomm modems or not; We have to be patient until then and see if Apple can meet the expectations of its users in this department or if it will be forced to work with Qualcomm again.
