Apple Expected to Use Its Own 5G Modem in 2024 iPhones
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon doesn't believe Apple will need its 5G modems for the 2024 iPhone.
As CNBC reports(Opens in a new window), Amon was at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week when he said, "We’re making no plans for 2024, my planning assumption is we’re not providing [Apple] a modem in ’24, but it’s their decision to make."
Apple acquired Intel's 5G modem business in 2019 and then set about developing its own internal cellular modem in 2020. However, Qualcomm stated last year that it would be providing the "vast majority" of 5G modems for the 2023 iPhones, meaning Apple's own modem isn't ready yet.
Apple has a six-year license agreement with Qualcomm to supply chips as part of an agreement to dismiss all litigation between the two companies. It was signed back in 2019 and includes a two-year option to extend(Opens in a new window), meaning Apple's supply of Qualcomm chips could keep going until 2027 if necessary.
When the iPhone 15 launches later this year, all talk about modems will be forgotten as a major feature change is expected to happen—Apple is switching the Lightning port for a USB-C port across the entire line-up. Apple said it made the switch because "we have no choice," but as ExtremeTech points out(Opens in a new window), there is a rumor Apple intends to restrict non-certified USB-C accessories when plugged into an iPhone 15.
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