Apple Plans Rapid Rollout of In-House 5G Modem, Replacing Qualcomm [Kuo]

Apple is planning for a rapid rollout of its in-house 5G modem starting next year, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a post on X today, Kuo said...

My latest supply chain survey indicates that Apple's in-house 5G chip shipments will grow rapidly and replace Qualcomm's 5G chips. It's estimated that Apple's in-house 5G chip shipments will reach 35-40 million units in 2025, 90-110 million in 2026, and 160-180 million in 2027. This trend will significantly impact Qualcomm's 5G chip shipments and licensing sales.


In a previous report, Kuo predicted that Apple would use its in-house modem for two models next year, the iPhone SE4 (1Q25) and the ultra-slim iPhone 17 (3Q25).

Following the acquisition of Intel's modem business, Apple has struggled to produce a modem that can rival the one supplied by Qualcomm. Late last year, a report claimed the company had fallen further behind in its effort, despite thousands of employees working on the technology. Apple was said to have postponed the release of its modem until at least the end of 2025 or early 2026. Subsequent rumors even suggested that the effort had been abandoned altogether.

If Kuo's predictions are accurate, this shift would mark a significant achievement for Apple. The transition to in-house 5G modems would not only yield substantial financial benefits by reducing reliance on Qualcomm but could also lead to enhanced performance, tighter hardware-software integration, and improved battery efficiency across Apple's devices. This move further cements Apple's strategy of controlling key components in its ecosystem, potentially giving it a competitive edge in the 5G market.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates!