Neil Cybart Neil Cybart

Apple’s Modem Launch Reportedly Nears, Apple vs. Qualcomm, Apple’s Modem Goals

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Let's jump into today's update.


Apple’s Modem Launch Reportedly Nears

Over at Bloomberg, here’s Mark Gurman:

“Apple Inc. is preparing to finally bring one of its most ambitious projects to market: a series of cellular modem chips that will replace components from longtime partner — and adversary — Qualcomm Inc.

More than half a decade in the making, Apple’s in-house modem system will debut next spring, according to people familiar with the matter. The technology is slated to be part of the iPhone SE, the company’s entry-level smartphone, which will be updated next year for the first time since 2022.

A modem is a critical piece of any mobile phone, letting the device connect to cell towers in order to make calls and link up with the internet. Apple’s first version of the component will be followed by further generations that become increasingly more advanced. The company aims to ultimately overtake Qualcomm’s technology by 2027, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the project is confidential.”


This was quite the detailed piece from Gurman. Given employee turnover and churn, it’s possible that Gurman was able to cull intel from former employees who worked on the relevant teams.

The basic strategy telegraphed by Gurman is that Apple will follow a multi-year modem rollout that is meant to derisk the shift away from Qualcomm.

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