Apple’s long-awaited foray into in-house modem development is finally happening. But the tech giant’s first attempt might leave users underwhelmed, especially those accustomed to the blazing-fast speeds of current Android flagships. Reports indicate that Apple’s initial 5G modem, slated to debut in the iPhone SE 4 in 2025, will be noticeably inferior to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon modems found in many Android devices, even older models. This disparity stems from several key limitations in Apple’s design.
Why is Apple even bothering to make its own modem?
It’s all about control and long-term strategy. For years, Apple has relied on Qualcomm for its modems, a dependency that has both financial and strategic implications. By developing its own modem, Apple aims to reduce its reliance on external suppliers, potentially saving costs and gaining greater control over its hardware ecosystem. This move mirrors Apple’s successful transition to its own silicon for Macs, which led to significant performance and efficiency gains. However, building a state-of-the-art modem is a complex undertaking, and it seems Apple’s first iteration will fall short of the mark.
Missing mmWave: A Major Speed Bump
One of the most glaring omissions in Apple’s first modem is the lack of mmWave support. mmWave is a high-frequency 5G technology that offers incredibly fast speeds, albeit with limited range and penetration. While mmWave deployment is still ongoing, it’s becoming increasingly common in major cities and densely populated areas. By skipping mmWave, Apple’s modem will be unable to tap into these faster networks, potentially resulting in slower speeds for users in mmWave coverage zones. This is a significant disadvantage compared to many current and even older high-end Android phones that already support mmWave.
Personally, I’ve experienced the difference mmWave can make. In areas with good mmWave coverage, I’ve seen download speeds that rival or even exceed my home Wi-Fi connection. This allows for incredibly fast downloads, smooth streaming of high-quality video, and lag-free gaming. It’s disappointing to see Apple’s first modem miss out on this technology, especially given its push for premium experiences.
Slower Speeds and Limited Carrier Aggregation
Even on sub-6GHz 5G networks, Apple’s modem is expected to lag behind Qualcomm’s offerings. Reports suggest that Apple’s modem will support only four-carrier aggregation, compared to six-carrier aggregation in Qualcomm’s latest modems. Carrier aggregation allows devices to combine multiple frequency bands for increased speed and capacity. With fewer bands to work with, Apple’s modem could deliver slower speeds, especially in congested network conditions.
Think of it like lanes on a highway. More lanes generally mean smoother and faster traffic flow. Similarly, more carrier aggregation allows for faster data speeds. While four-carrier aggregation is still respectable, it’s a step behind the cutting edge, potentially leaving iPhone users with slower speeds compared to their Android counterparts.
The Performance Gap: Real-World Implications
While benchmarks and technical specifications provide a useful comparison, the real question is how these limitations will affect users in their daily lives. Will iPhone users with Apple’s modem experience a noticeable difference in speed and performance? The answer likely depends on a variety of factors, including network conditions, location, and usage patterns.
In areas with strong mmWave coverage, the lack of mmWave support could be a significant drawback, limiting users’ access to the fastest 5G speeds. Even on sub-6GHz networks, the limited carrier aggregation could result in slower speeds, especially in crowded areas or during peak usage times. This could translate to longer download times, buffering while streaming video, or lag in online games.
However, for users in areas with limited 5G deployment or those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing and social media, the performance difference may be less noticeable. Ultimately, the real-world impact of Apple’s modem limitations will vary from user to user.
While the initial modem may lag behind the competition, Apple is reportedly already working on more advanced versions. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that a second-generation 5G modem with mmWave support is planned for 2026, followed by a more ambitious “Prometheus” modem in 2027 that could potentially surpass Qualcomm’s offerings. This suggests that Apple views its modem development as a long-term strategy, with continuous improvements planned for future iterations.
It’s worth noting that Apple has a history of catching up and even surpassing the competition in areas where it initially lagged behind. The company’s transition to its own silicon for Macs is a prime example. While early Apple silicon Macs faced some limitations, they quickly caught up and even surpassed Intel-based Macs in performance and efficiency. It’s possible that Apple’s modem efforts will follow a similar trajectory, with future iterations closing the gap and eventually exceeding the capabilities of Qualcomm’s modems.
The Bigger Picture: Apple’s Vision for a Connected Ecosystem
Apple’s push for in-house modem development is part of a broader strategy to control key components of its hardware ecosystem. By designing its own modems, Apple can optimize them for its specific devices and software, potentially leading to improved performance, efficiency, and integration. This aligns with Apple’s focus on creating a seamless and tightly integrated user experience across its devices.
Furthermore, developing its own modems could give Apple more flexibility in designing future products. The company is rumored to be working on integrating its modem into a single chip that also handles Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, potentially leading to smaller and more power-efficient devices. In the long run, Apple’s modem ambitions could pave the way for new innovations and features that are not possible with off-the-shelf components.
