Apple 5G modem delayed again? iPhones will continue to use Qualcomm chips until 2026

For many years now, Apple is working on its own 5G modem for iPhone. However, the project is extremely difficult for Cupertino residents, who are unable to move forward with the long-awaited plan to make its development independent. And the new proof of this is that Qualcomm has announced that it will continue to supply them with this component until at least 2026..

The San Diego chipper announced this in a brief statement released this Monday. In it, Qualcomm mentioned that the agreement with Apple would be to supply a 5G modem. for iPhones 2024, 2025 and 2026. “This reinforces Qualcomm’s history of sustained leadership in 5G technologies and products,” the company, led by Cristiano Amon, said.

Be careful, just because Qualcomm and Apple are extending their relationship for at least another 3 years doesn’t necessarily mean the Cupertino native’s 5G modem will debut in 2027. Apple representatives may begin to gradually introduce it into their devices before 2026, but it is a fact that They will not achieve independence in providing this chip until that date..

This is no small matter. Let us recall that in November 2022, Qualcomm announced that, contrary to forecasts at the time, the iPhone 15 would not feature a 5G modem developed by Apple. In 2023, the company expected to supply no more than 20% of the component in question; but the story changed due to delays with Apple hardware.

At the time, San Diego residents said that Only in fiscal year 2025 will they see minimal revenue from Apple, his main client. However, the agreement announced today confirms that the alliance will continue for some time.

Apple still hasn’t hit the target with a 5G modem for iPhone

At the moment, the reasons for extending the agreement between Qualcomm and Apple are not specified. But if the above is any guide, then it is logical to think that developing your own 5G modem for iPhone delayed again.

Tim Cook’s team launched this project more than 4 years ago, but encountered problems that prevented its development. Apple’s idea was that its 5G modem would debut in 2022 on the iPhone 14, but that didn’t happen. It was said back then that it would arrive this year alongside the iPhone 15, but as we already explained, Qualcomm ruled that out a few months ago.

Why has Apple still not been able to develop a 5G modem for the iPhone? There are no official figures, but several suspected causes have been leaked in recent years. At first there was talk about problems with autonomy, since the chip drained the mobile phone battery; although bureaucratic obstacles to its certification in different parts of the world were also mentioned. Meanwhile, prototypes were reported to be overheating last year and this was also delaying TSMC’s production plans.

Given these data, the appearance on the scene of a 5G modem for the iPhone developed by Apple was not expected until 2024. But this was an optimistic view.. A few days ago, Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple expects to begin rolling out its cellular chip only in 2025.

This last piece of information may be quite accurate. According to information the company provided to its investors today, Qualcomm expects to retain at least 20% of 5G modem shipments for iPhone in 2026. Of course, provided that the Apple hardware is completed on time and there are no delays again.