Apple Plans To Launch Its Own-made IPhone Modem In Three Years, Starting With IPhone SE

JAKARTA - Apple plans to replace the Qualcomm modem with its own modem on the iPhone and other products within three years. The Cuppertino company even plans to replace everything by 2027.

Apple has been working on its 5G modem design for several years as part of efforts to bring this design work into the company. Although this component is expected to launch soon, its launch is likely to be more gradual than expected.

The first wave of this Apple-made modem will be used on the iPhone SE, according to a source from Bloomberg. As mentioned in previous reports, this first launch will begin in 2025, although this first modem will not be as sophisticated as the Qualcomm modem.

The report states that choosing a low-end product like the iPhone SE was initially a safer move, given that modem development is a risky move. Modem is an important component, as problems such as disconnected calls or missing notifications can damage the experience of smartphone users.

This first modem will support only four-band aggregation (four-carrier aggregation), lower than six or more bands that Qualcomm modems can use. Over time, Apple's modem iteration will be more sophisticated and used on devices with higher specifications.

Apple's ultimate goal is to surpass Qualcomm in terms of technology by 2027. If successful, Apple will integrate its own-made modem across its device ecosystem, with Qualcomm no longer involved.

The Bloomberg report provides a pretty clear picture of Apple's modem launch schedule, which is also in line with previous reports, including the first use on the iPhone SE. It also relates to the finding that Apple and Qualcomm extended the global patent licensing agreement for two years. This extension as well as the contract for the use of the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF system will expire in March 2027.

If Apple can finish developing this modem well, the company will not need to extend its contract with Qualcomm after 2027. However, for that, Apple must address the problems of developing the existing modem and pursue its lag with Qualcomm technology.