Apple‘s foray into the world of modem development hasn’t been without it’s hiccups. Early prototypes encountered performance hurdles and overheating issues, prompting Apple to extend their reliance on Qualcomm. But the horizon is looking brighter for 2025. Recent shifts in development strategies and the acquisition of top talent from Qualcomm have gradually turned the tide, according to industry insider Mark Gurman.
2025: The Debut of Homegrown 5G
Next year marks a pivotal milestone as Apple unveils its first iPhones free from Qualcomm’s components. These next-gen devices will harness the power of “Sinope,” Apple’s custom-designed modem manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan. While 2024 will see the iPhone SE 4 and the new iPhone 17 Air incorporating apple’s in-house technology, 2025 promises a broader adoption. Expect entry-level iPads to also ditch Qualcomm modems in favor of Apple’s new solution.
The initial “Sinope” modem, however, is a more streamlined 5G solution, lacking mmWave capabilities and limited to 4 carrier aggregation. Despite peak speeds hovering around 4 gigabits per second in tests, Apple’s “Sinope” brings compelling advantages.Its tight integration with Apple’s A-series chips promises greater efficiency. This synergy will be notably crucial for satellite connectivity, a feature gaining momentum in the industry. Plus, Apple claims the new modem will reduce iPhone susceptibility to radiation.
2026: Bridging the Gap with “Ganymede”
apple’s modem development roadmap outlines a continued climb to parity with Qualcomm. in 2026, “Ganymede” is set to take center stage.This advanced modem will boast capabilities matching Qualcomm’s latest offerings, including mmWave support, speeds reaching 6 Gbps, and six carrier aggregation. “ganymede” will first grace the iPhone 18 series and high-end iPads slated for 2027.
2027: A Leap Forward with “Prometheus”
Apple aims to surpass Qualcomm entirely in 2027 with “Prometheus,” its third-generation modem. This ambitious chip will integrate artificial intelligence functions and cutting-edge satellite capabilities. Apple plans to completely phase out Qualcomm modems from its product line by the iPhone 19 generation,a timeline further cemented by ongoing efforts to embed modems directly within their A-series processors.
How does Apple’s modem development impact its relationship with Qualcomm?
Q&A: Apple’s Modem Development Journey – Insights from industry Expert Mark Gurman
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Mark.Apple’s entry into modem development has certainly stirred the industry. What were some of the hurdles they faced in the initial stages?
Mark Gurman: Thank you for having me. Apple’s foray into modem development indeed encountered significant performance hurdles adn overheating issues.These complications forced Apple to continue relying on Qualcomm for their modem components longer than they initially anticipated. However,the landscape is changing,and I believe we’re on the cusp of a significant evolution,especially leading into 2025.
Interviewer: Speaking of 2025, what can you tell us about Apple’s plans for that year regarding their new modem?
mark Gurman: 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Apple as they unveil their frist iPhones free from Qualcomm components. This will be an exciting milestone, as these devices will be powered by “Sinope,” Apple’s custom-designed modem, manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan.We can expect the iPhone SE 4 and the new iPhone 17 Air to incorporate Apple’s in-house technology, and entry-level iPads will soon follow suit. It’s a major step in asserting their independence in the modem space.
Interviewer: The “Sinope” modem sounds promising, but do you see any limitations with it?
Mark gurman: Yes, the initial “Sinope” modem is a streamlined 5G solution and does come with limitations. While it achieves peak speeds of around 4 gigabits per second, it lacks mmWave capabilities and only supports four carrier aggregation. Nonetheless, its integration with Apple’s A-series chips promises enhanced efficiency, especially for emerging features like satellite connectivity. Furthermore, Apple claims it will reduce iPhone susceptibility to radiation, which is a noteworthy benefit.
Interviewer: Looking further into the future, what’s next for Apple’s modem technology post-2025?
Mark Gurman: Apple’s roadmap is really ambitious. In 2026, we’ll see the introduction of the “Ganymede” modem, which is expected to bring capabilities that align more closely with Qualcomm’s latest offerings, including support for mmWave technology and speeds up to 6 Gbps. This will first appear in the iPhone 18 series and high-end iPads by 2027.
Interviewer: So, by 2027, Apple aims to outpace Qualcomm entirely with “Prometheus.” What will this modem bring to the table?
Mark Gurman: That’s right.”Prometheus,” Apple’s third-generation modem, represents an evolution in technology with the incorporation of artificial intelligence capabilities and innovative satellite features. Apple aims to phase out Qualcomm modems entirely by the iPhone 19 generation. This vision is supported by the ongoing efforts to integrate modems directly into their A-series processors, which could lead to a substantially enhanced user experience.
Interviewer: Given these advancements,what advice would you give to consumers looking to invest in future Apple devices?
Mark Gurman: Consumers should keep an eye on the evolution of apple’s technology. The transition to a fully integrated modem solution could lead to improved performance and efficiency in devices. With the upcoming releases, especially by 2025, those looking to upgrade should consider how these new features will potentially enhance their user experience. waiting for the latest technology, especially with promising developments like ”Ganymede” and “Prometheus,” may be a sound investment.
Interviewer: thank you, mark, for your insights into Apple’s modem development. It sounds like an exciting future ahead for apple and its users.
Mark Gurman: My pleasure! The world of technology is always evolving, and I’m excited to see how Apple shapes its future in the modem landscape.