Apple intends to employ its rumored proprietary 5G modem in just two iPhone models: the “ultra-slim” iPhone 17 and the iPhone SE 4, both of which are expected to appear in 2025, according to an article on X (previously Twitter) by TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple set to replace its Qualcomm chip with their own 5G chips by 2025 for iPhones details
Apple is aiming to release the iPhone SE 4 in Q1 2025, according to the analysts, while the rumored “ultra-slim” iPhone 17, also known as the iPhone 17 Slim, may make its public debut in Q3 2025. According to the expert, Qualcomm’s 5G modem will not be used by any of the next two iPhone models. According to Kuo, Apple is planning to gradually stop using the contracted modems as it moves toward using its own internal technologies.
It seems that Apple will gradually switch away from the Qualcomm modem rather than entirely do away with it. By doing this, the Cupertino-based company will be able to test the technology before incorporating it into upcoming iPhone versions. Last year, Apple and Qualcomm agreed on an extension through March 2026. The contract was extended one more, this time until 2027.
The next iPhone 16 models, according to analyst Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, would likely continue to use Qualcomm 5G modems; only the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, however, might include the newest Snapdragon X75 modem. The X70 modem, which drives cellular capabilities across the whole iPhone 15 lineup, is reportedly still present in the base versions.
The other new 2025 iPhones will continue to use Qualcomm’s 5G CPUs, as all previous modern iPhones have done, as Apple is only putting its own 5G chips into two of the smartphones.
