Analysts Predict Apple to Introduce Proprietary 5G Modem in iPhone 17 on 2025

Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has released a new report indicating that Apple's in-house 5G modem (modulator-demodulator) is nearing completion. Apple plans to test this development with the launch of its iPhone 17 series in 2025.

Currently, iPhones primarily utilize 5G modems supplied by Qualcomm. Apple has previously employed Intel's modems but reverted to Qualcomm's Snapdragon modems due to numerous issues with Intel's technology.

Qualcomm had also released information about Apple's in-house chip efforts, noting that the modem supply agreement between Apple and Qualcomm had been extended from the end of 2023 to 2026. At least at that time, it hinted that Apple's in-house modem project was not progressing as planned.

However, the tide seems to have turned. Kuo suggests that Apple is accelerating its efforts to reduce dependency on Qualcomm, planning to implement its proprietary modems in the iPhone SE 4 and a slim version of the iPhone 17 in 2025.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be released in the spring of next year, while the slim version of the iPhone 17 appears to be a new variant, especially considering the rumored poor sales of the iPhone 15 Plus. Apple may decide against releasing Plus models in the future.

The choice of models for testing Apple's in-house modems suggests a cautious approach, possibly due to concerns over performance issues. Hence, Apple is initially considering these modems for entry-level models rather than mid-to-high-end ones.

Long-term iPhone users might have noticed a decline in signal stability, a problem unlikely to stem from Qualcomm's modems, thus pointing towards an issue on Apple's end.

This raises a crucial question: With signal quality already declining on Qualcomm's watch, can Apple's shift to its proprietary modems improve the situation?