Forget iPhone 14, Apple may not get THIS crucial feature ready even for the iPhone 15

According to rumors, Apple might have failed to develop its own 5G modem. While the iPhone 14 was never going to receive it, now it looks like Apple will not be able to ready it even for the 2023’s iPhone 15.

Apple 5G modem chips will not be ready in time for iPhone 14 or iPhone 15. Apple will be relying upon Qualcomm as an exclusive supplier. (Representative Photo) (iUpdate / YouTube)

It was in 2020 when Apple began working on manufacturing its own 5G modem, according to Bloomberg. The plan was always clear —- to replace Qualcomm as its supplier and become self-sufficient. However, two years later, it seems Apple still has not made significant progress. According to a recent rumor, Apple's 5G modem chip development has failed and the company will be relying upon Qualcomm through the second half of 2023, which means that neither iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 lineup will feature Apple's in-house modems.

This new information comes in from analyst and known Apple leakster Ming-Chi Kuo. Taking to Twitter last week, he said, “My latest survey indicates that Apple's own iPhone 5G modem chip development may have failed, so Qualcomm will remain exclusive supplier for 5G chips of 2H23 new iPhones, with a 100% supply share (vs. company's previous estimate of 20%)”.

Neither of iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 will see Apple's in-house 5G modem

While Kuo did not reveal why the development of the iPhone 5G modem chip might have failed, it was revealed that progress would not be possible till at least the production of iPhone 15. If the rumor is to be believed, the earliest we will see this modem is in 2024 with the iPhone 16 lineup. And the biggest winner in this will be Qualcomm which is the exclusive supplier of this component for Apple.

Kuo predicted that this unexpected delay by Apple will result in higher revenue inflow. “Qualcomm's revenue and EPS in 2H23-1H24 will likely beat market consensus thanks to its sole supplier position for 5G chips of 2H23 new iPhones as Apple fails to replace Qualcomm,” he said.

This comes with long term strategic benefits for the supplier as well. “I believe Apple will continue to develop its own 5G chips, but by the time Apple succeeds and can replace Qualcomm, Qualcomm's other new businesses should have grown enough to significantly offset the negative impacts caused by the order loss of iPhone 5G chips,” added Kuo.

While this change should not affect the consumers, if you are a hardcore Apple fan and want to use an iPhone where Apple implements its own 5G modem, then you likely will need to wait for two more years. Do note that all the information shared here is based on rumors and none of it has been verified by any official sources, so take it with a pinch of salt.