Forget iPhone 14, Apple may not get THIS crucial feature ready even for the iPhone 15

tech.hindustantimes.com:

It was in 2020 when Apple began working on manufacturing its own 5G modem, according to Bloomberg. The plan was always clear —- to replace Qualcomm as its supplier and become self-sufficient. However, two years later, it seems Apple still has not made significant progress. According to a recent rumor, Apple’s 5G modem chip development has failed and the company will be relying upon Qualcomm through the second half of 2023, which means that neither iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 lineup will feature Apple’s in-house modems.

This new information comes in from analyst and known Apple leakster Ming-Chi Kuo. Taking to Twitter last week, he said, “My latest survey indicates that Apple's own iPhone 5G modem chip development may have failed, so Qualcomm will remain exclusive supplier for 5G chips of 2H23 new iPhones, with a 100% supply share (vs. company's previous estimate of 20%)”.

While Kuo did not reveal why the development of the iPhone 5G modem chip might have failed, it was revealed that progress would not be possible till at least the production of iPhone 15. If the rumor is to be believed, the earliest we will see this modem is in 2024 with the iPhone 16 lineup. And the biggest winner in this will be Qualcomm which is the exclusive supplier of this component for Apple.

Kuo predicted that this unexpected delay by Apple will result in higher revenue inflow. “Qualcomm's revenue and EPS in 2H23-1H24 will likely beat market consensus thanks to its sole supplier position for 5G chips of 2H23 new iPhones as Apple fails to replace Qualcomm,” he said.

This comes with long term strategic benefits for the supplier as well. “I believe Apple will continue to develop its own 5G chips, but by the time Apple succeeds and can replace Qualcomm,