Apple is investing billions of dollars in developing an in-house 5G modem, but the immediate benefits for users may not be so evident, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. In his “Power On” newsletter last week, Gurman detailed that, unlike the transition to Apple’s custom chips, the first modem designed by the company will not offer significant improvements for users in the short term.
A Long-Term Investment
Apple is immersed in an ambitious investment to develop its own 5G modem, but the project is focused on long-term changes rather than immediate benefits. Gurman indicated that within the company, it is acknowledged that customers “don’t really care who makes the modem in their phone” and that it is “hard to know how big the benefits will be in the short term.”
Despite this, Apple is focused on the “long game.” The company expects its modem to evolve to become a more advanced component that could ultimately transform the way an iPhone looks and functions. This development could have significant implications for the design and capabilities of the device.
Future Technological Integrations
On the horizon, Apple plans to integrate its modem design into a new wireless chip that will handle both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This strategy aims to create a single connectivity component that could enhance reliability and battery life. Consolidating these functions into a single chip could enable greater energy efficiency and a more compact design for the iPhone.
Furthermore, there is the possibility that Apple will combine all these functions into the main system-on-chip (SoC) of the device. This integration could reduce costs and save space within the iPhone, opening up new opportunities for device design and functionality. An SoC housing the 5G modem, along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, could offer substantial improvements in performance and connectivity capabilities.
Apple’s Modem History and Challenges
For over a decade, Apple has used modems designed by Qualcomm. However, the company decided to design its own modem after a legal battle over royalties and patents in 2018. Since then, Apple has faced challenges related to the performance and overheating of the component, leading to delays in its release. The availability of the new modem is expected as early as next year, and its implementation is expected to be gradual, starting with more specific devices and expanding over the years.
In summary, Apple’s custom 5G modem represents a significant investment in the future technology of the iPhone. While immediate benefits for users are not expected, the long-term development could have a profound impact on how iPhones are designed and operated. With plans to integrate the modem into a single chip and possibly into the main SoC, Apple aims to transform the connectivity and performance of the iPhone, paving the way for innovations in device design and functionality.