Apple's own 5G 'iPhone 13' modem may be used in iPad Pro
Supply chain sources suggest Apple's plans to make its own mmWave 5G modem for the next iPhone, are sufficiently advanced that it may also use them in a 2021 iPad Pro.

Following recent rumors that Apple will release an OLED iPad Pro in the second half of 2021, new reports suggest that the device may gain 5G. Specifically, two separate reports claim that 5G systems are expected, and that Apple's may use its own 5G modem in the iPad Pro.
A 5G iPad Pro has previously been rumored, with reports that its production was pushed back to early 2021 because of coronavirus delays. Now the claim is that whether or not that model arrives, Apple is planning an iPad Pro that will feature its own design of 5G modem.
According to one report in Digitimes, the supply chain is expecting to see an increase in demand for 5Gmm Wave Antenna in Package (AiP) modules. It's believed that this increase follows the use of these modules in the iPhone 12 and, presumably, the success of that device.
Separately, Digitimes also claims that Apple is continuing to develop its own 5G mmWave AiP. It's previously been expected that Apple plans to replace Qualcomm's 5G module with its own in the forthcoming "iPhone 13."
However, Digitimes sources say that Apple is possibly extending that development. It may be planning to utilize the 5G modem in an iPad Pro, and it is potentially creating its own RF-FEM (RF front end module) as part of that process.
Digitimes is noted for having strong sources within the supply industry. However, it's also had a much poorer track record for interpreting its industry information and predicting future Apple products.

Following recent rumors that Apple will release an OLED iPad Pro in the second half of 2021, new reports suggest that the device may gain 5G. Specifically, two separate reports claim that 5G systems are expected, and that Apple's may use its own 5G modem in the iPad Pro.
A 5G iPad Pro has previously been rumored, with reports that its production was pushed back to early 2021 because of coronavirus delays. Now the claim is that whether or not that model arrives, Apple is planning an iPad Pro that will feature its own design of 5G modem.
According to one report in Digitimes, the supply chain is expecting to see an increase in demand for 5Gmm Wave Antenna in Package (AiP) modules. It's believed that this increase follows the use of these modules in the iPhone 12 and, presumably, the success of that device.
Separately, Digitimes also claims that Apple is continuing to develop its own 5G mmWave AiP. It's previously been expected that Apple plans to replace Qualcomm's 5G module with its own in the forthcoming "iPhone 13."
However, Digitimes sources say that Apple is possibly extending that development. It may be planning to utilize the 5G modem in an iPad Pro, and it is potentially creating its own RF-FEM (RF front end module) as part of that process.
Digitimes is noted for having strong sources within the supply industry. However, it's also had a much poorer track record for interpreting its industry information and predicting future Apple products.
Comments
You’re right about equaling QC’s performance, though. Performance was a persistent complaint a couple years ago when Apple switched to intel modems. A big potential advantage for Apple, if they can do it, will be to integrate the modem with other silicon, saving space and potentially power.
Other PC makers have offered cellular as an option for years -- I could easily stick a wireless modem in the Thinkpad laptop I'm typing on now. I find it curious that Apple never offered it in their MacBooks. But, increasingly it is becoming time. Past time actually.
I think the Apple TV will eventually have a couple of models; a regular model and a “gaming” model.
but it takes time from when your engineers first see the patents until they’re able to design a product around them. That can take years. Months? That would be a miracle. Maybe Apple is licensing more from Qualcomm than just patents. That would make the most sense.
From what we know, Intel had no real 5G design, just very preliminary work. Without these essential patents Qualcomm has, making a 5G modem would be a very burdensome task. Even Huawei licenses many patents from Qualcomm. Otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to build a modem either. The only reason Qualcomm licensed them (though with the embargo, who knows what will happen, unless Biden fixes these problems) was because Huawei themselves had some patents Qualcomm needed. But Qualcomm has the large majority.
They have a cross licencing agreement. They also recently settled a long running patent dispute. Huawei had been holding back on making royalty payments.
It is rumoured that even Apple licences a lot of patents from Huawei (almost 800 according to reports from just a few years ago).
From a 5G SEP perspective, in mid 2019, Huawei held 1554 patents.
Apple held 12.
Intel held 551.
Qualcomm held 846.
There are interdependencies which will always be the case for world standards.