Relevant news indicates that Apple's own 5G network data chip, which it has invested heavily in research and development, may face another delay in its launch.
According to previous statements, Apple's self-developed 5G networking data chip has been postponed from the original planned launch in 2024 to the spring of 2025, but now it may be postponed to the end of 2025, or even to the beginning of 2026.
Since 2018, Apple has invested a lot of manpower and funds to develop its own 5G network data chips. In 2019, it took over Intel's mobile phone data chip team. However, it failed to produce a 5G network data chip that met Apple's expectations. Therefore, it continued to maintain cooperation with Qualcomm, and Qualcomm provided its 5G network data chips. It even extended the cooperation period a few days ago to ensure that 2024G network data chips will continue to be provided to Apple from 2026 to 5.
Former Apple engineers and managers who participated in the self-made 5G network data chips were interviewed.displayJaydeep Ranade, former Apple wireless product design director, believes that Apple's belief that its success with Apple Silicon processors would allow it to build its own 5G data center chips is unrealistic.
Recent reports indicate that Apple's in-house developed 5G data center chip is still in the early stages of design and is at least several years behind other industry competitors. At least one current version lacks support for millimeter wave (mmWave) connectivity. Furthermore, software governing the data center chip's power supply operation mode is hindering development progress. Because some of the software code originated during the Intel team's time, it requires a substantial rewrite to accommodate Apple's increased demands and adjust the chip's functionality.
On the other hand, making the 5G networking data chip compatible with the systems used by global telecom operators while avoiding overlap with technology patents held by Qualcomm and other companies has obviously become a challenge for Apple in developing its own 5G networking data chip.
Current market rumors suggest that Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone SE based on the iPhone 14, which will introduce Apple's own 5G networking data chip to test market usage response and verify whether Apple's independent research and development capabilities are in place. It may then be further applied to the new iPhone 16.
However, it still depends on Apple's current progress in developing its own 5G networking data chips. Otherwise, there is still a high possibility that the new iPhone SE will use Qualcomm's 5G networking data chips.
