Apple has been developing its own in-house 5G modem for several years, and now the company is finally ready to integrate it into two of its upcoming iPhone models. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s in-house 5G chip will make its debut in the iPhone SE 4, slated for a spring 2025 release, and a new ultra-slim iPhone 17 model, which is expected to launch in the fall of the same year. While this marks a significant step towards Apple’s goal of fully controlling its hardware, the company won’t be replacing Qualcomm’s 5G modems entirely. The iPhone SE 4 and ultra-slim iPhone 17 will be the only models to feature the in-house 5G chip in 2025. This means that the remaining iPhone models in 2025, including the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, will still rely on Qualcomm’s chips. The upcoming iPhone 16 series, scheduled for release in the fall of 2024, will also utilize Qualcomm 5G modems. However, Apple’s plans for its in-house 5G chips extend beyond these initial implementations. The company plans to integrate its next-generation A-series processor, manufactured by TSMC, with the in-house 5G modem starting in 2026. This means that the entire iPhone 18 lineup, expected to be released in 2026, will feature Apple’s own 5G chipsets. This gradual transition reflects Apple’s commitment to a more integrated hardware ecosystem, with greater control over key components like the 5G modem. As Apple’s in-house 5G chip technology matures, it is likely to become a standard feature across all future iPhone models, further enhancing Apple’s ability to optimize its devices for performance and efficiency.
Apple to Debut In-House 5G Chip in iPhone SE 4 and Ultra-Slim iPhone 17
