Apple’s development of a 5G modem to replace Qualcomm’s offerings is reportedly facing significant delays, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Despite acquiring the majority of Intel’s smartphone business in 2019 and beginning efforts to develop its own modem hardware, the project has encountered multiple setbacks. The company is now anticipated to be several years away from releasing a chip that can compete with Qualcomm.
Originally aiming for a 2024 launch for its in-house modem chip, Apple has since faced difficulties, leading to a revised timeline. The extended spring 2025 launch is also expected to be missed, with the technology now slated to debut at the end of 2025 or early 2026, potentially in a version of the low-cost iPhone SE. Development of the modem chip is still in the early stages, and Apple may find itself lagging behind competitors for several years.
One version of the chip under development lacks support for faster mmWave technology, and Apple is struggling with issues related to the Intel code it’s working with, necessitating rewrites and causing existing features to break. Additionally, the company must navigate carefully to ensure it does not infringe on Qualcomm patents during chip development. This significant delay presents a challenge for Apple as it seeks to transition to its own 5G modem technology.
This news comes as Apple continues to expand its technological offerings, with developments such as potential AI voice cloning technology from YouTube. The challenges facing the development of the 5G modem highlight the complexities and competitive nature of the technology industry. As Apple works to innovate and stay ahead, it is crucial for the company to mitigate delays and technical hurdles that could impact its ability to offer cutting-edge products and compete in the market.
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