The possibility of Apple developing its own 5G modems has been a topic of speculation for years. Following a 2023 agreement to use Qualcomm’s modems for another three years, it appears Apple may still be planning to introduce its own 5G technology sooner. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 and a streamlined version of the iPhone 17, both expected in 2025, could be among the first to feature Apple’s proprietary 5G modems.
Apple’s pursuit of in-house modem technology has involved significant investments, including the $1 billion acquisition of Intel’s modem division in 2019. Although previous models have continued to utilize Qualcomm’s chips, recent updates suggest the Apple modem might debut by late 2025 or early 2026. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to sport a fresh design with an OLED display and possibly eliminate the home button, while the iPhone 17 Slim is expected to feature a new form factor with a focus on design innovation rather than raw specifications, including a lightweight titanium-aluminum frame and a single rear camera.