Apple to Launch First Self-Developed 5G Modem in 2025: A Detailed Look at Future iPhone and iPad Plans

Apple to Launch First Self-Developed 5G Modem in 2025: A Detailed Look at Future iPhone and iPad PlansAs reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce its first self-developed 5G modem in its new iPhones and iPads in 2025. This marks a crucial step for Apple in the mobile communication technology sector and signifies a major shift from its long-standing partnership with Qualcomm

Apple to Launch First Self-Developed 5G Modem in 2025: A Detailed Look at Future iPhone and iPad Plans

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple plans to introduce its first self-developed 5G modem in its new iPhones and iPads in 2025. This marks a crucial step for Apple in the mobile communication technology sector and signifies a major shift from its long-standing partnership with Qualcomm. Gurman's report details not only Apple's 2025 plans but also offers a glimpse into its modem roadmap for 2026 and 2027, revealing Apple's ambitious goals in 5G technology.

According to Gurman's predictions, Apple's initial 5G modem will debut in 2025 in the new iPhone SE, a new model tentatively called "iPhone 17 Slim," and lower-end iPad models. This suggests Apple will initially test and deploy the new technology in its relatively lower-priced devices to mitigate potential risks and gain practical experience. This aligns with Apple's consistent strategy of introducing new technologies in mature forms to its flagship products.

This first-generation 5G modem is projected to offer theoretical download speeds of up to 4Gbps. While potentially slower than Qualcomm's current modems in iPhones, this represents only the beginning of Apple's foray into 5G modem development. Apple will continuously improve its modem's performance and functionality through ongoing R&D and iterative updates.

Apple's goal is not merely to catch up with Qualcomm but to surpass it. Gurman's report mentions Apple's plan to launch a second-generation 5G modem in 2026, integrating it into the iPhone 18 series. This upgraded modem will support mmWave technology, a 5G standard capable of ultra-high-speed data transmission. With mmWave support, Apple's second-generation modem will significantly boost download speeds, theoretically reaching 6Gbps, directly challenging Qualcomm's speed advantage. Furthermore, this modem will also be integrated into iPad Pro models in 2027, expanding the range of Apple's self-developed modem applications.

However, Apple's ambition doesn't stop there. Gurman predicts a third-generation 5G modem in 2027. This modem will showcase Apple's technological prowess in 5G, aiming to surpass Qualcomm's offerings in terms of performance and AI capabilities. While the success of this goal remains uncertain, Apple's demonstrated commitment and investment undoubtedly strengthen its position in future competition with Qualcomm.

Notably, Apple is internally discussing integrating the modem into its A-series chips. This would represent a significant leap in chip design, further enhancing product integration and performance. This would grant Apple greater autonomy and control, ultimately lowering production costs and improving product competitiveness. Integrating the modem with the A-series chip seems a natural progression in Apple's efforts to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm modems, a logical outcome of Apple's long-term technological planning.

The relationship between Apple and Qualcomm has been complex. Despite past intense patent disputes, the two companies reached a new modem supply agreement in March 2027. This provided Apple ample time to gradually deploy its self-developed 5G modem and eventually achieve complete control over core technologies in its mobile devices.

Apple's plan to develop its own 5G modem wasn't sudden. Rumors circulated as early as 2018 about Apple's development of a self-developed 5G modem. In 2019, Apple acquired Intel's smartphone modem patents, further solidifying its R&D capabilities in this area and laying a solid technological foundation for independent development. After years of dedicated R&D and technological accumulation, Apple will finally bring this technological achievement to fruition in 2025. The iPhone SE 4, entering mass production from March, is expected to be the first product to feature Apples self-designed 5G modem, marking a new era of independent development in mobile communication technology for Apple.

Starting in 2025, Apple will gradually deploy its self-developed 5G modems across its product lines, a significant strategic shift. This move will not only enhance Apple's competitiveness in mobile communications but also open up broader possibilities for future technological innovation. Apple's path to self-reliance is crucial not only for its leading position in the mobile device market but also indicative of profound changes in the overall mobile communication industry landscape. In the coming years, the competition between Apple and Qualcomm will intensify, and the outcome of this competition will significantly impact the future of the global smartphone industry. The launch of Apple's self-developed 5G modem will undoubtedly become another milestone event in industry development, deserving continued attention and in-depth analysis.