CCS Insights analyst predicts that Apple’s 5G modem will be integrated with the A-Series processor as a “single chip” solution for 2025 iPhones.
After Apple acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019, it was heavily speculated that the tech giant will eventually develop its own 5G modem or chip for future iPhones. Initially, rumor mills expected the tech giant to launch its custom 5G modem in 2023 iPhones, but later it was reported that the connectivity chip would debut in 2025 iPhones.
Apple’s “single-chip” solution will integrate its custom
Currently, the Cupertino tech giant develops A-series processors for iPhone and iPad lineup but procures 5G modems from Qualcomm, the sole connectivity chip supplier for Apple.
Previously, TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the tech giant was working on an in-house 5G modem because it wants to reduce dependence on suppliers and more importantly, cut costs.
Offering more details on the alleged 5G, Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight shared that the tech giant is going to combine “5G into the A series of processor for a “single-chip” solution for iPhones in 2025.”
Although an earlier report by DigiTimes claimed that the tech company does not plan to integrate the 5G modem into the A-series chip, integration of a 5G modem in the processor does not seem like an impossibility for the tech giant.
In the latest A16 Bionic chip featured in iPhone 14 Pro lineup, Apple combined a new “Display Engine” for Always-On display with a 1Hz refresh rate and Dynamic Island and “Image signal processor” to power the advanced Pro camera system with a 48MP main camera and much more.
Wood also corroborated Kuo’s claim that the tech giant wants to reduce reliance on third-party suppliers and costs by developing its own 5G modem. He told CNBC that;
Apple has been “ramping up in-house capabilities” so it can use its own modems in iPhones.
“They have been shooting for this target for years. They acquired the assets from Intel of the modem unit, they have been working hard to ramp that up, they are very keen to make sure they keep growing their control points they have.
They don’t want to have to keep paying a third party supplier for their technology.”
The report also mentions that the tech giant will introduce a foldable iPad in 2024 before the launch of its foldable iPhone.
