Apple modem: When will Qualcomm truly become obsolete?

Apple has been working for years to break free from its dependence on Qualcomm and develop its own modems for its devices. A new report shows how this plan is progressing and what challenges it faces. The C1 modem chip is the first step in this development, but will not be able to keep up with the performance of Qualcomm modems for a while. Particularly interesting is Apple's strategy for the Apple Watch, iPhones and iPads, as well as the long-term planning for more powerful modems from 2026 onwards.

Since Apple began developing its own processors, the company has pursued the goal of designing as many hardware components as possible itself. This is not only intended to optimize performance, but also to save costs and licensing fees. In the area of modems, however, Apple is not yet at the same level as Qualcomm, but this is set to change in the coming years. The current C1 chip is only a transitional product until more powerful models come onto the market. Until then, Apple is still relying on external suppliers such as MediaTek.

Apple Watch: Switch from Qualcomm to MediaTek

Apple will remove the Qualcomm modem from the Apple Watch Ultra this year. However, it will not be replaced by the company's own C1 modem, but by a modem from MediaTek. MediaTek is one of the few companies that can develop powerful 5G modems and offers a solution that is specifically optimized for wearables. The main reason for this step is the support of 5G RedCap, a variant of 5G that was developed for connected devices such as smartwatches. RedCap requires less energy and still offers a stable connection. At the moment, the Apple Watch with cellular option still uses 4G LTE, so the switch to 5G could be a significant improvement for future models.

Apple's own modem chip: C1 and its successors

Apple has developed its first own modem chip, the C1, but it cannot yet keep up with the current Qualcomm modems. The performance of the C1 is still below that of the competitor's product, which is why Apple is already working on successors for future models. From 2026, Apple plans to introduce its own modem with mmWave 5G support. The C1 modem does not yet offer this function, but the model planned for 2026 with the code name "Ganymede" is to be used in iPhones and at least one iPad. The introduction of mmWave 5G is particularly crucial for high download speeds and better network coverage in urban areas. But according to current reports, the Ganymede modem will not yet be on the level of Qualcomm modems. Apple will not bring a real competitor chip onto the market until 2027 with the third generation of modems.

2027: The “Prometheus” modem chip is expected to surpass Qualcomm

Apple's long-term goal is to surpass the performance of Qualcomm modems. This goal will only be achieved with the third generation of Apple's modem, which is being developed under the code name "Prometheus" (via The Information). The new modem chip will not only offer higher download speeds, but will also have improved AI functions. The maximum download speeds are expected to reach up to 6 Gbit/s, while the first Apple modem C1 only manages up to 4 Gbit/s. 2027 could therefore be the year in which Apple finally becomes independent of Qualcomm. Until then, however, Apple still has to overcome a number of technical hurdles, as modem development is particularly complex and requires constant adaptation to new mobile communications standards.

Why Apple develops its own modems

The main reason for Apple's strategy is independence from external suppliers such as Qualcomm. By using its own modems, Apple can better tailor the hardware to its devices and save costs in the long term. In addition, its own modems can be optimally integrated into Apple's chips such as the A and M series, which can enable more efficient performance. However, developments to date have shown that this process is more difficult than expected. Qualcomm has decades of experience in modem development, while Apple only started a few years ago. This is why Apple is temporarily relying on solutions from MediaTek until its own modems are competitive.

Apple's modem offensive: patience is required

Apple has ambitious plans for its own modems, but the road to get there is long. The current C1 modem chip is only an intermediate step and cannot yet keep up with Qualcomm. An improved modem with mmWave 5G support is to follow in 2026, but Apple does not want to overtake the competition until 2027 with the "Prometheus" modem. Until then, Apple is relying on MediaTek modems in the Apple Watch to bridge the time. The coming years will show whether Apple can successfully implement its modem strategy or whether Qualcomm will continue to play a role in Apple's devices. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Osarugue Igbinoba)