Report: Apple abandons 5G modem development

Apple has been on a long and difficult path to develop its own in-house 5G modem and it seems that battle is not headed in the right direction. According to a new post on South Korean platform, Naver, supply chain sources close to Apple are saying that Cupertino is in the process of restructuring investments in its modem development department as the company is preparing to scrap the project altogether. Similar reports from Japanese supply chain sources were confirmed by tipster @Tech_Reve who holds a reliable track record when it comes to Apple leaks.

Back in September Apple extended its 5G modem deal with Qualcomm until 2026. All of Apple’s devices so far have used Qualcomm-made modems. Cupertino was expected to move to its in-house developed 5G modem by 2026 but this development now seems unlikely. Apple also ran into legal problems over modem patents held by Qualcomm which are set to expire in 2030.

Source (in Korean) | Via (post on X.com)