Apple Gears Up for In-House Modem Rollout, Aims to Surpass Qualcomm by 2027
Apple Inc. is set to revolutionize its smartphone technology with the launch of in-house cellular modems, marking a significant departure from reliance on Qualcomm Inc. The first iteration, code-named Sinope, will debut in the next-generation iPhone SE, slated for release in spring 2024. This development follows years of extensive investment, including Apple’s $1 billion acquisition of Intel’s modem division in 2019 and global hiring sprees targeting top talent.
Apple’s modems promise better integration with its processors, leading to improved power efficiency, enhanced satellite connectivity, and optimized SAR performance. However, the initial version will lack advanced features like mmWave 5G support and six-carrier aggregation, currently offered by Qualcomm. Instead, it will focus on the more widespread Sub-6 standard, with download speeds up to 4 Gbps in lab tests.
The Cupertino giant plans a phased rollout, starting with mid-tier iPhones and iPads by 2025. The second-generation modem, Ganymede, will close the gap with Qualcomm by 2026, introducing mmWave capabilities and higher data speeds. By 2027, Apple’s third-gen modem, Prometheus, aims to surpass industry standards with AI-powered advancements and next-gen satellite support.
This bold move underscores Apple’s commitment to technological independence and innovation, setting the stage for a potential industry shift.
Source: The Economic Times
