Apple’s Custom Modem Plans: A Bold Move with Historical Lessons

CURTINO, California, December 15, 2024 – Apple’s long-term wireless modem project addresses reality. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the ​company plans to start its first Apple-designed ​modem on the iPhone ​SE next year. This change is an important way out of Apple’s current reliance on Qualcomm, the industry leader in ​cell modems.

Apple modem should initially appear on more affordable ​devices, including iPhone SE, iPhone 17 “Slim” and iPads ​at entry level. Although this movement ​indicates Apple’s ambition to control more of its supply chain, ​initial reports suggest that the new modem may not match the performance of advanced Qualcomm chips, particularly in the ​management of the high ​frequency 5G spectrum as a millimetre ​wave or support for aggregation of larger carriers. This temperate start ​reflects Apple’s cautious strategy to improve its patented technology in the years ​ahead.

The challenges of rapid adoption

Apple’s ​decision to introduce first-generation modem into ​low-risk products is a calculated step, as industry experts point out. Anshel Sag, Senior Analyst for Moor Insights and Strategy, explains that launching on less critical devices such ​as iPhone SE allows Apple to test modem in real-world ​conditions ​without compromising its iPhone line. “There’s always a risk with ​the introduction of the new silicon,” Sag said, “and that’s why I always thought they’d present the first ​generation in a cheaper and less ​risky device like ​iPhone SE ​or ​iPad Mini.”

According to Gurman, Apple has rigorously tested its modem through hundreds of ​devices worldwide, working with partners to ​ensure quality assurance. This in-depth test is vital, as modems play a critical role ​in determining ​cellular reception, data speed and general ​ease ​of use of devices. Starting with products ​with slightly lower performance expectations, Apple has the opportunity to refine its technology before extending to ​higher-end devices.

Lessons learned from the antenna

Apple’s movement in modem ​design recalls its previous challenges with connectivity, especially the famous 2010 “antennagate” saga. The iPhone 4, the company’s first ​major overhaul, had an innovative antenna design that doubled like an external steel frame on the phone. Although ​visually striking, the design resulted in a loss of signal when users kept the ​phone without a case. The problem has ​generated many criticisms, demands and a public response from Steve Jobs, which limited the problem as “unique” to Apple devices.

The controversy highlighted the risks of experimenting with connectivity equipment. Although Apple solved ​the subject in later models, the “antenna” episode remains ​a precaution story. According to www.cnet.com, a Bloomberg 2010 report ​revealed that at ​least one Apple engineer had raised concerns about iPhone 4 design prior to launch, highlighting the importance ​of comprehensive testing and open comments within the company. Today’s ​modem project could be subject to similar ​scrutiny, especially if performance does not meet consumer expectations.

Technological barriers

Despite Apple’s substantial investments in R plagaamp; D, reaching the ​Qualcomm domain in the modem space is not ​a small feat. Qualcomm chips are currently leading the 5G performance market, supporting advanced features such as millimetre wave connectivity and extended carrier aggregation. Gurman points out that Apple’s initial modem, although capable of achieving theoretical 4 Gbps download speeds under laboratory ​conditions, lacks these leading-edge ​capabilities. However, experts ​believe that this does not ​discourage ​Apple from closing the gap.

Avi Greengart, President of Technical, highlights Apple’s challenge by matching Qualcomm’s progress. “Apple (and Intel before him) has been ​working on this issue for a long time, but ​Qualcomm and MediaTek have important leads in terms of 5G modem performance today, and this gap is likely to grow,” says Greengart. However, it also recognizes that Apple modems can be “good enough” for ​non-inflatable devices, paving the way ​for a gradual ​transition.

The Way Forward for Apple

The Apple ​modem project is more than a technological milestone; It is a strategic ​pivotal in its long-standing relationship with Qualcomm. By reducing its reliance on third-party suppliers, Apple aims to exercise greater control over its hardware ecosystem and potentially reduce long-term costs. Gurman predicts that Apple can achieve parity with Qualcomm modems by 2026 or 2027, ​with future iterations exceeding industry ​standards.

However, bets ​are high. The introduction of subpar ​connectivity could tarnish Apple’s reputation, as did the antenna in 2010. To mitigate these risks, Apple’s pre-release and phase-out strategy is essential. By starting little ​and gradually climbing, Apple can adjust its modems and build consumer confidence in its wireless capabilities.

Beyond smartphones, potential applications for Apple custom modems are vast. Gurman speculates ​that technology ​could ​be extended to iPads, Apple Watches ​and even MacBooks, thus strengthening the Apple ecosystem. This vertical integration ​is part of Apple’s ​broader vision of ​creating perfect experiences in aligning its products.

As Apple prepares ​to reveal its first modem-equipped devices next year, ​the technological world will be attentive. Although initial performance ​does not compete with Qualcomm, the movement demonstrates Apple’s determination to innovate and ​control its destination in an increasingly competitive ​market. With ​lessons learned from the past and cautious optimism ​for the future, Apple’s modem journey promises to be a fundamental ​chapter in its technological evolution.