Apple’s longstanding goal of developing its own 5G modem technology has faced a significant setback, with internal testing revealing performance deficiencies compared to existing commercial alternatives. Despite years of investment and the acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019, Apple’s in-house modem, internally codenamed "Sinope," reportedly failed to meet key performance benchmarks in recent tests. The company’s internal evaluation found the new modem to be less reliable in speed and efficiency than Qualcomm’s widely used Snapdragon X75 modem. Among the issues encountered were overheating and inconsistent connectivity, both of which are critical concerns for devices expected to operate seamlessly in 5G networks globally.
Initially, Apple had hoped to reduce reliance on Qualcomm by deploying its own 5G chipsets in future iPhone models, potentially starting with the iPhone SE refresh in 2025. However, in light of the technical difficulties and underwhelming test results, the timeline for the full rollout has been pushed back to at least late 2025 or 2026. As a result, Apple has extended its existing supply agreement with Qualcomm, a strategic decision aimed at ensuring continuity in 5G performance for upcoming iPhones.
The move is indicative of the challenges Apple faces in transitioning to complete hardware self-sufficiency. While the company has made tremendous strides with custom chips like the M-series processors for Macs and the A-series chips for iPhones, modem development requires specialized engineering, global standard compliance, and real-world durability across diverse usage environments. In its current form, the in-house modem lacks certain features, such as mmWave support, which is essential for achieving ultra-high-speed 5G in select markets like the United States.
Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly started limited testing of a prototype device named the iPhone 16e, which features a basic version of the in-house modem labeled as the C1 chip. This early version, while functional in controlled environments, does not yet match the capabilities of Qualcomm’s latest offerings, signaling that Apple’s engineering teams still have significant work ahead. The delay underscores how even technology giants must navigate the complex demands of innovation and quality assurance.
Apple’s ambition to develop a proprietary 5G modem is aligned with its broader strategy to control more of its technology stack and reduce dependency on external suppliers. However, the challenges faced demonstrate the steep learning curve involved in developing modem technology that is both globally compatible and meets Apple’s high performance standards. While a delayed launch could be seen as a setback, the company’s willingness to prioritize quality and performance over aggressive timelines reflects a pragmatic approach. Maintaining its relationship with Qualcomm in the interim ensures that Apple’s customers continue to receive dependable 5G experiences while internal development continues. If Apple eventually succeeds in bringing a competitive in-house modem to market, it could reshape dynamics in the mobile chipset industry. Until then, the competition remains firmly ahead in this critical area of mobile connectivity.