Apple is working at speed to create a crucial component of the iPhone, it’s claimed: the modem. But while recent rumors have suggested that that project hasn’t been going swimmingly, a new report says that it’s not only striving to sort out the 5G modem, but is already turning its attention to 6G, and the modem that technology will require, as well.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple is charging ahead with work on the modem that will work with current 5G cell towers. Right now, Apple uses modems made by Qualcomm, and it would like to make its own—just as it switched to its own silicon for the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac.
Gurman explains why the modem is so important: “Modems are extremely difficult to develop and require testing globally. They’re also utterly essential to operating a phone.” Well, that’s certainly true.
An Apple-made modem would appeal because it would “give Apple more control over the technology and potentially offer financial benefits.”
That’s true, but I think cost savings, or even greater control, wouldn’t be Apple’s primary concerns here. Apple prides itself on making both the hardware and software for all its products, to ensure the most seamless, effective performance and the best user experience.
Gurman points out that while the switch to its own processors in the Mac, for instance, saw a huge performance boost compared to the Intel chips it previously used, there wouldn’t be the same step-change with a modem. Of course, it would need to be at least as efficient as the modem it replaced, but it would be unlikely to provide a difference as stark as its own processors have provided. Even so, it’s not surprising that it’s Apple’s goal to create its own version.
Perhaps that’s the reason for the 6G focus. After all, Apple is known for having a strategy for the medium- to long-term, not the short-term. Gurman says that a job listing has appeared which says, “As a Cellular Platform Architect, you will drive and coordinate the design and modeling of a 6G reference architecture.”
It’s a long time until 6G, though. As Gurman says, you shouldn’t get excited just yet: “The 6G standard isn’t expected until 2030 at the earliest, and it’s still not even clear how much faster it will be than 5G.”
What’s most interesting about this report is the impetus Apple seems to be giving to creating its own modem. Even if Gurman is right and it won’t increase performance in absolute terms over rivals, you can bet Apple will ensure that its own modem works flawlessly with its other components and its own software. Which could make it class-leading on its own. To take full control of such a key element will surely be an Apple priority, and even if performance speeds might not be greater than other brands, it could yield exceptional reliability, which is a north star that is just as valuable.
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Alex Mitchell is your go-to expert for all things mobile. With a passion for the latest smartphones, apps, and mobile innovations, Alex provides in-depth reviews, insightful analyses, and breaking news about the ever-evolving world of mobile technology. Stay connected with Alex to navigate the fast-paced realm of mobile devices.
