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Apple wants to manufacture its own 5G modems at some point – that's as certain as the next iPhone generation. But when will the first in-house chips go into series production?
According to a new report, Apple has set the deadline for its first mobile chip to 2022 so that it can be used in the first iPhones that same year. This new schedule seems quite aggressive to observers. According to Fast Company, which claims to have learned of Apple's plans, all development, testing and certification work should be completed by 2022 at the latest. Since lengthy testing and certification processes are necessary after the chips are completed, Apple could miss the new target.
Earliest start in 2023 seems more realistic
The main problem is network optimization, which is particularly important to avoid problems with wireless networks. Furthermore, global standards must be adhered to, which is why such testing processes are required by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission).
For these reasons, Fast Company believes that the launch will take place in 2023, but not in 2022. With its own mobile phone chip, Apple could become more independent from Qualcomm and take further development into its own hands. But until that happens, Cupertino will have to rely on Qualcomm chips – there is a multi-year “chipset supply agreement”. (Photo by Rido81 / Bigstockphoto)
