Apple is preparing three generations of 5G modem with the first arriving in the 2025 iPhone SE 4. The third generation may be coming to Macs and possibly Vision Pro too.

It is highly likely that the iPhone SE 4, set to be launched in early 2025, will come with Apple's in-house developed 5G modem. Still, sources from the upstream supply chain believe it will take some time before the chip's performance can catch up with the competition of leading suppliers.

Macworld It has been over five years since Apple purchased Intel’s modem division and patents, and in all that time it hasn’t managed to ship a product. Now, according to a new report from Bloomberg,

As Apple begins to phase out Qualcomm's modems in favor of its own in-house silicon, the company is eyeing adding 5G connectivity to other devices in its portfolio.

Using its own 5G modem chip for the iPhone 17 Air will allow Apple to make the phone 2 mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro. The latter measures 8.25 mm thick. Apple will be able to make the iPhone 17 Air extremely thin while leaving enough room for the camera, battery, and display components.

Apple has been working on a 5G modem for years, it will reportedly be unveiled soon. It should enable new designs and bring more devices into the mobile network

Using iPhone SE 4 as a launching pad for new hardware, like the Apple 5G modem, is a brilliant move on Apple's part.

Macworld It’s no secret that Apple has been working on its own cellular modem. However, Apple hasn’t said anything about its modem development since announcing that it bought Intel’s model division over five years ago.

Apple is reportedly developing an in-house modem, codenamed Sinope, to replace Qualcomm chips in iPhones by 2025. It is likely to promise improved efficiency and design, paving the way for innovations like foldable iPhones and cellular connectivity for Macs.

Apple is preparing to finally bring one of its most ambitious projects to market: a series of cellular modem chips that will replace components from longtime partner — and adversary — Qualcomm.