5G iPhones became reality with the launch of iPhone 12 series last year. Taking forward, Now, Apple is planning to put 5G support in almost all of its latest mobile phones. To recall, the latest example is the recently launched 5G iPad Pro. Therefore, we can expect that Apple as a tech giant is all gear up to make its own 5G modems. This will make the company more of a self-reliant. According to rumors, a 5G based iPhones are likely to launch in 2022, but this seems to have been delayed for now.
As per renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s first ever 5G modem is likely to be commercially available for all in 2023. His prediction also coincides with one of the team of analysts at Barclays. The team at Barclays also hints at a 5G modems from Apple in 2023. Just like the Qualcomm’s 5G modems, Apple’s modem are likely to features support for both sub-6Ghz and mmWave 5G networks.
Apple 5G Modems to launch in 2023:
For the current generation devices, Apple is highly dependent on Qualcomm for its 5G modems. According to recent reports, the company has already placed orders for Qualcomm’s 5G modems for its iPhones 2022 and even 2023. But, this seems to be a backup plan for the Cupertino Tech Major, if the tech giant is unable to finish its 5G modems till the time. Hence, Apple has asked Qualcomm to supply its 5G modem even for the iPhone 2023. Currently, Qualcomm is providing Snapdragon X55 5G modem for the current gen iPhone 12 series.
Apple 5G Modems on iPhone 2023:
Before this 5G modems supply, Apple even had a dispute with Qualcomm over the patent design and eventually broke the deal. Due to which, Apple switched from Qualcomm to Intel for modems from 2018 as a result. However, Intel itself is struggling to make profits. Thus, the company ends up selling the modem business to Apple in 2019. Since then Apple is working on getting its own 5G modem to become more self-reliant.
If Apple launches its 5G modems in 2023, it could be the ground breaking news for Qualcomm. This is because it will cancel a large number of 5G modem orders for Qualcomm. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, this loss will push Qualcomm to offer more 5G chip in midrange and entry level segment. Keep in mind, 5G connectivity is restricted to premium smartphone segment only. Here, both Qualcomm and MediaTek are playing key market players role.
On the other hand, Apple iPhone 13 series is scheduled to launch this year in September. In this new iPhone series, Apple is likely to reduce the size of display notch and add 120Hz refresh rate to the display in the Pro models. The series might feature improved cameras and offer LiDAR sensors on all the models. Also Read: Apple’s foldable iPhone could launch in 2023, says Ming-Chi Kuo
