Apple Plans to Ditch Qualcomm Modems for In-House Chips

Abdullah Mustapha

December 7, 2024

Image Credit: Wccftech

Apple is preparing to say goodbye to Qualcomm modems after years of using them in the iPhone. The company is speeding up the development of its own modem chips. Reports say that Apple aims to completely replace Qualcomm modems in iPhones within the next three years.

Apple is developing Its Own Modems

As reported by Bloomberg, Apple has been working on its own modem chips for some time. The chips are codenamed Sinope, Ganymede, and Prometheus. The first of these, Sinope, is expected to debut in the iPhone SE in 2025. While Sinope won’t match Qualcomm’s top-tier modems in speed or performance, it will help bring Apple’s own modem technology to its budget iPhone models.

This move is part of Apple’s strategy to reduce reliance on outside suppliers. Similar to its switch from Intel processors to the M1 chip in 2020, Apple is looking to gain more control over its hardware. The M1 chip transformed Mac performance, and now Apple hopes to do the same with its modems.

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Why Apple is Making the Change

Apple wants to design its own modems to better integrate hardware and software. This would allow for a smoother user experience. Additionally, using in-house chips could lower costs and give Apple more freedom to add features without depending on Qualcomm’s roadmap.

The Challenges Ahead

The transition to Apple’s own modems won’t be easy. Reports suggest that Apple’s modems are still behind Qualcomm’s, especially in energy efficiency and global network compatibility. As a result, Apple plans a gradual rollout. Sinope will first appear in the iPhone SE, allowing the company time to improve its technology.

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By 2026, Apple’s Ganymede modem will likely power more iPhone models. In 2027, the Prometheus modem is expected to be used across all iPhones. To ensure a smooth transition, Apple has extended its agreement with Qualcomm to prevent any disruptions.

Conclusion

So, Apple’s decision to replace Qualcomm modems with its own chips is a bold move. It will allow for better performance, lower costs, and more control over hardware. While there are challenges, Apple’s push to create its own modem technology is a key step in its ongoing drive for innovation. The next few years will show how successfully Apple can make this transition.

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