Apple is poised to equip iPhones with its self-developed 5G modem by 2025. The latest iPhone SE is expected to be the first recipient, potentially arriving as early as the first half of 2025, followed by select models of the iPhone 17 series in the second half of the year. Shipments of Apple's in-house 5G chips are projected to surpass 100 million units by 2026.
The tech giant's self-developed Wi-Fi chips are also anticipated to debut around 2025, though the specific product and timeline for their introduction remain uncertain. Initial deployment is likely to target smartphones and tablets.
Contrary to its usual strategy, Apple appears to be breaking tradition by introducing new technology in the iPhone SE first. This decision aligns with the relatively low cost of 5G modems and the smaller shipment scale of the iPhone SE.
As Apple's in-house 5G modem has yet to incorporate mmWave technology, the company will still rely on Qualcomm's technical support. The key question is whether Apple can achieve a breakthrough in mmWave technology before its modem licensing agreement with Qualcomm expires in 2027.
With the high probability of Apple integrating its in-house 5G chips into the iPhone 17 series in 2025, industry observers speculate that the company will avoid simultaneously introducing another self-developed wireless networking chip into the iPhone.
Insiders from Apple's supply chain suggest that the company may introduce its in-house Wi-Fi chip in new iPads in 2025. Alternatively, Apple might choose to debut it in certain iPhone 18 models in 2026.
Apple's decision to utilize its in-house wireless networking chips suggests a degree of confidence in their performance. However, given the complexities of 5G modem and Wi-Fi chip design, some industry experts hold differing views.
American chipmakers Qualcomm and Broadcom currently dominate this segment of the flagship smartphone market. High entry barriers have made it challenging for companies like MediaTek to gain a foothold. By adopting its own chips, Apple will assume full responsibility for any connectivity performance issues, which could potentially impact smartphone shipment momentum.
If Apple succeeds with its 5G modem and Wi-Fi chips, it could significantly impact Qualcomm and Broadcom, reducing a substantial portion of both companies' shipment volumes. It's also possible that other products in the Apple ecosystem will be equipped with Apple's in-house wireless chips.
Despite the challenges in developing wireless connectivity chips, Apple's move might inspire other smartphone brands to develop their own solutions. Given that only a few players currently dominate wireless connectivity technology, it's conceivable that the field could expand beyond the control of Qualcomm and Broadcom in the future.
