Ming-Chi Kuo, the noted Apple analyst known for accurate predictions, has yet again confirmed that Apple is gearing up to launch iPhones with in-house 5G chips. For the uninitiated, Apple currently uses Qualcomm X-Series of 5G modems in all of its iPhone offerings.
However, if the latest tweet from the reputed analyst is to be believed, Apple is all set to begin a phased transition to its proprietary chipsets starting next year. Here’s what we know about the latest development.
Apple To Reportedly Start Shipping iPhones with In-House 5G Chips From Next Year
For years, there have been reports of the Cupertino-based tech giant ditching Qualcomm for in-house 5G modems. However, it has not happened so far. Ming-Chi Kuo previously claimed that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 will come with an in-house modem from the brand.
In his latest tweet, the analyst confirmed that Apple will use two iPhones as the launch platform for its proprietary 5G chip – iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) July 24, 2024
It appears that Apple will not completely ditch the Qualcomm modem and will gradually make the transition. This will allow the Cupertino-based to try out the chip before using it in future iterations of the iPhone. Apple extended its contract with Qualcomm until March 2026 last year. Earlier this year, the contract was further extended until 2027.
Notably, the brand has been facing issues developing the Apple 5G chip. The tech giant acquired Intel’s smartphone modem business for this purpose. However, the company faces setbacks because of issues like integrating mmWave support, rewriting Intel’s existing code, and adding new features without breaking the existing ones.
Additionally, Apple must be mindful of not infringing on any of Qualcomm’s patents, even though the company acquired 17,000 patents as part of the Intel deal. However, Apple is finally ready to launch the ambitious Apple 5G modem. We will report further if more details come out, so stay tuned to the blog.
