Apple's own 5G iPhone modem could arrive as soon as 2021
Apple is working to have an internally-designed 5G modem ready by 2021 -- a year ahead of prior rumors, according to one report.
If all goes according to plan, the chip will appear in at least some products in 2021, a Reuters source claimed. Qualcomm however is expected to have a presence in 5G iPhones starting in 2020, and the source indicated that Apple's technology will only replace Qualcomm in phases, as Apple will need time to make modems that work with all carriers and countries.
"There's a fierce desire to have independence, but they also realize it has to be done responsibly," the source commented.
Another obstacle is the terms of Apple's legal settlement with Qualcomm, which resulted in a six-year licensing deal and a chip supply arrangement that could potentially last just as long. If so that could mean Qualcomm chips in iPhones as late as 2025, by that point potentially a liability more than an asset. Apple's increasing use of internal chip designs allows it to optimize power and performance.
The Reuters source didn't specify Apple's modem as appearing in iPhones, but the company's only other cellular-equipped products at the moment are higher-end iPads and Apple Watches. The company is believed to be developing an AR headset and a self-driving car, both which would benefit from 5G but might not need it.
On Thursday Apple confirmed plans to buy most of Intel's mobile modem business for $1 billion. Intel was once planning to have a 5G modem ready sometime in 2020, so the deal could indeed accelerate Apple's efforts.
If all goes according to plan, the chip will appear in at least some products in 2021, a Reuters source claimed. Qualcomm however is expected to have a presence in 5G iPhones starting in 2020, and the source indicated that Apple's technology will only replace Qualcomm in phases, as Apple will need time to make modems that work with all carriers and countries.
"There's a fierce desire to have independence, but they also realize it has to be done responsibly," the source commented.
Another obstacle is the terms of Apple's legal settlement with Qualcomm, which resulted in a six-year licensing deal and a chip supply arrangement that could potentially last just as long. If so that could mean Qualcomm chips in iPhones as late as 2025, by that point potentially a liability more than an asset. Apple's increasing use of internal chip designs allows it to optimize power and performance.
The Reuters source didn't specify Apple's modem as appearing in iPhones, but the company's only other cellular-equipped products at the moment are higher-end iPads and Apple Watches. The company is believed to be developing an AR headset and a self-driving car, both which would benefit from 5G but might not need it.
On Thursday Apple confirmed plans to buy most of Intel's mobile modem business for $1 billion. Intel was once planning to have a 5G modem ready sometime in 2020, so the deal could indeed accelerate Apple's efforts.
Comments
Apple has licensed Qualcomm’s patents for 6 years. However, the chip supply deal is only described as “multi-year”. This could just be 2 or 3 years. Apple could potentially release it’s own chips at any time and these chips could use some Qualcomm technology under the licensing deal. Apple may first use its own modems in products like Watch and iPad before later bringing them to iPhone.
Apple didn’t settle with Qualcomm because Intels 5G efforts were in a good spot.
Apple needs some time to hire away Qualcomm’s employees after all...
In the meantime Apple can use Qualcomm’s chip designs or it can use Qualcomm’s technology in its own chip designs.
Interestingly, Apple’s press statement says they intend to “differentiate”. In saying this, Apple reveal that they have thought of ways that will make their own chips different in ways that will matter to customers. This is intriguing.
In order to make more money, Qualcomm insisted on effectively charging twice by not including patent licensing with its chip designs (even though the chip designs obviously employ the patents). It now appears Apple could be working this situation to their own advantage.
The licensing deal with Qualcomm might not be about Apple caving in and being forced to use Qualcomm chips. It might be about Apple finding a way to bring their own chips to market sooner.
To Qualcomm, the licensing deal with Apple felt like a victory, however in 10 years time people may well look back and see that deal as the beginning of the end of Qualcomm’s dominance.
Actually, I am expecting them to do something similar with a Qualcomm 5G modem in about 6 weeks during their next roll out.
"Coming Soon to an Apple Store Near You!...."
THIS is exactly what I mentioned. We don't know what Apple has planned besides the obvious.
Great things are coming.
https://www.iam-media.com/who-leading-5g-patent-race.
WiFi is a given and virtually ubiquitous.
I'm not opposed to the option existing, but I'm not sure I'd add the line to my MBP, even if it's just $10 per month like my cellular Apple Watch. The Watch I want it for because I do like to leave my iPhone behind when I'm very mobile, but if I have my MBP I also have my iPhone for tethering and very likely have access to WiFi. If I would want anything it's making watchOS allow tethering (although that probably is battery life prohibitive).
PS: Apple has been down this road and decided against it back when I really could've used a built-in system and was getting 3G data from device plugged into my USB-A port on my PowerBook.
I'm sure the demand is low UNTIL Apple shows us what we can do with it then we'll all want one.
If Apple can get the tech right and have the fastest network in the world we could see a service where all your Apple products are connected for a fee.
Think a carrier on steroids.