Apple Set to Launch In-House Modem Chips
Apple Inc. is on the verge of a significant technological shift. The company is preparing to launch its own series of cellular modem chips, a move that will replace components from its longtime partner and rival, Qualcomm Inc. After more than five years of development, Apple’s in-house modem is expected to debut in the spring of 2024. This new technology will first appear in the updated iPhone SE, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it seeks to enhance its hardware capabilities and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
A Long Journey to Development
The journey to develop Apple’s modem has been lengthy and complex. Initially, Apple aimed to introduce the modem as early as 2021. To accelerate this effort, the company invested billions in establishing testing and engineering labs worldwide. Additionally, Apple acquired Intel Corp.’s modem group for approximately $1 billion and hired numerous engineers from various silicon companies. Despite these efforts, Apple faced numerous challenges throughout the development process.
Early prototypes of the modem were plagued with issues. They were often too large, generated excessive heat, and lacked power efficiency. Internally, there were concerns that the project was more about competing with Qualcomm than about creating a superior product. However, Apple adapted its development practices, reorganized its management structure, and brought in new talent, including engineers from Qualcomm. These changes have led to renewed confidence in the modem’s potential, according to sources familiar with the project.
The first version of Apple’s modem, code-named Sinope, is designed to be a stepping stone. Apple plans to release more advanced generations of the modem in the coming years, with the goal of surpassing Qualcomm’s technology by 2027. This ambitious timeline reflects Apple’s commitment to innovation and its desire to control more of its hardware ecosystem.
Features and Limitations of the Sinope Modem
The Sinope modem will be a crucial component of the upcoming iPhone SE, which is set to feature several new enhancements. While the modem will not support the latest mmWave 5G technology, it will utilize the more common Sub-6 standard, which is already in use in the current iPhone SE. This decision to start with a lower-end product is strategic; it allows Apple to test the modem’s performance without risking customer dissatisfaction on its premium devices.
In terms of performance, the first Apple modem will support four-carrier aggregation, which combines bands from multiple wireless providers to improve network capacity and speeds. However, Qualcomm’s modems can support six or more carriers simultaneously, giving them an edge in high-performance scenarios. In lab tests, the Sinope modem has demonstrated maximum download speeds of around 4 gigabits per second, which is lower than the top speeds offered by Qualcomm’s non-mmWave modems. Nevertheless, real-world speeds often differ, and users may not notice significant differences in everyday use.
Despite these limitations, Apple believes the Sinope modem will offer several advantages. It will be tightly integrated with Apple-designed processors, allowing for more efficient power usage and improved connectivity features. Additionally, the modem will support dual SIM dual standby (DSDS), enabling users to maintain data connections on both SIM cards when using two phone numbers.
Implications for Qualcomm and the Market
The introduction of Apple’s in-house modem has significant implications for Qualcomm, which has long relied on Apple as a major customer. Currently, Qualcomm derives over 20% of its revenue from Apple. The news of Apple’s plans has already affected Qualcomm’s stock, which fell by nearly 2% following the announcement. As Apple moves forward with its modem, Qualcomm will need to adapt to the changing landscape of mobile technology.
Other component suppliers, such as Qorvo Inc., are also at risk as Apple continues to develop its modem and related technologies. Apple’s modem will work in conjunction with a new radio frequency front-end system (RFFE) called Carpo, which will further reduce reliance on Qualcomm. While Apple has extended its supply agreements with companies like Broadcom and Skyworks Solutions for RF filters, the shift toward in-house components could reshape the competitive dynamics in the semiconductor market.
Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce its second-generation modem, code-named Ganymede, in 2026. This modem is expected to support mmWave technology and achieve download speeds of 6 gigabits per second. By 2027, Apple aims to release its third modem, Prometheus, which will incorporate advanced artificial intelligence features and support for next-generation satellite networks. The long-term vision includes merging the modem and main processor into a single component, further solidifying Apple’s position in the mobile technology landscape.
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