Apple to make own 5G modems from 2023: report

A report in Nikkei Asia states that Apple is planning to manufacture its own 5G modems from 2023. The tech giant has reportedly roped in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) for this purpose, as it hopes to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm.

Apple is working to adopt TSMC’s 4nm chip production technology to help mass produce its first-ever in-house 5G modem chip, the report states. Apple is also developing its own radio frequency and millimetre wave components, which it would use alongside the modem. Apple’s first in-house 5G modem would also have proprietary power management systems.

Also Read: Apple offers free repairs for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro devices with audio issues

Up until the iPhone 13 series, Apple has used Qualcomm components for all these purposes. Qualcomm recently confirmed that it will only develop around 20% of iPhone modems by 2023, as Apple aims to reduce its dependence on the company.

Apple also aims to use TSMC’s 4nm process node for its next iPhone processor, possibly termed the A16, to be released in the second half of 2022. An earlier report mentioned that Apple will be one of the first companies to adopt TSMC’s 3nm process node, and aims to use the technology in iPads to be launched next year.

iPhone processors in 2023 could also use TSMC’s 3nm technology.