Not long after Apple acquired the majority of Intel’s modem division in 2019, it became clear that the iPhone maker was in the process of developing its own 5G modem.
Recently, reports are circulating that this process is not exactly going smoothly. Moreover, a rumor now indicates that Apple wants to discontinue this project.
For example, user Yeux1122 reports on the Korean Naver Blog that Apple is reportedly winding down its ongoing investments in 5G modems. Among other things, the R&D departments and associated personnel are said to have been busy over the past few years. This means that attempts to develop its own modem for the iPhone SE 4 or later have failed and the department would eventually be shut down.
Currently, all 5G modems in Apples products come from Qualcomm. Because of the high cost charged by the latter, Apple is highly motivated to develop its own solution, which is not proving to be easy. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal in September, Apple’s prototypes are said to be about three years behind the performance of Qualcomm’s top models.
