Apple has consistently pursued a strategy of streamlining its hardware supply chain by bringing critical components in-house. One of the company’s significant moves was transitioning from Intel processors to its own M-series chips. Now, Apple is setting its sights on a similarly pivotal component that enables iPhones to function as phones.
According to industry insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple plans to integrate its own cellular modem into iPhones and iPads beginning next year. This initiative will unfold over three years, with the introduction of three different generations of modems, as Apple seeks to lessen its dependence on Qualcomm.
The first modem, codenamed Sinope, will debut with the iPhone SE 4 in 2025. This anticipated refresh is rumored to include a contemporary design, moving away from the older Touch ID style characterized by thicker bezels, alongside an updated processor and enhanced support for Apple Intelligence.
In addition to the iPhone SE 4, this modem will be featured in the iPhone 17 Slim (or Air), a new, significantly thinner model launching in the latter half of 2025. The modem is also expected to appear in budget tablets, likely in an upcoming refresh of the entry-level iPad.
The upcoming modem may not lead the pack in speed or performance, especially when stacked against Qualcomm’s offerings. It will primarily support Sub-6GHz frequencies, without the ability to leverage mmWave 5G technology, which boasts theoretically higher speeds of up to 10Gbps.
Despite its limitations, Sub-6GHz remains the backbone of global 5G development, particularly in emerging markets, as it provides superior coverage and signal reach, making it ideal for widespread rollout in rural areas.
The existing iPhone SE does not support mmWave 5G as well, which adds relevancy to this modem’s capabilities. The Sinope modem promises improved carrier aggregation (with four channels compared to six on Qualcomm modems), facilitating higher data rates through the merging of frequency blocks from multiple carriers.
As reported by Bloomberg, initial tests of the Apple modem indicate peak download speeds around 4Gbps—less than the leading non-mmWave Qualcomm models; however, actual speeds in practical usage may be lower. Apple is also aiming to provide a dual-SIM dual-standby feature with its new modem.
Apple’s strategy involves a deeper integration of the cellular modem with its other components. Manufactured by TSMC, the modem will work closely with the main A-series silicon for enhanced energy efficiency and improved cellular performance.
An upgraded modem, codenamed Ganymede, is set to be included in the iPhone 18 series and higher-end iPads, which will launch in 2027. This iteration is expected to offer faster mmWave 5G speeds and improved carrier aggregation capabilities. Looking even further ahead, Apple aims to integrate the modem into the mainboard for ultimate efficiency.
The most advanced version, dubbed Prometheus, is anticipated to arrive in 2027. Its goal will be to compete directly with Qualcomm’s cellular modems in terms of raw performance and to introduce support for satellite connectivity.
Interestingly, Apple’s ambitions in modem technology gained momentum after recruiting talent from Qualcomm. The company acquired the majority of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019. However, initial progress was reportedly hindered by various technical challenges, leading to several project delays.
In a recent interview at IFA 2023, Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon remarked that while he believed it would take Apple years to develop its own cellular modem, he remained confident in Qualcomm’s position as a supplier to Apple.
