According to Kuaikeji on September 9, Apple has been secretly developing its own 5G modem since 2018, and the latest news indicates that this effort is about to bear fruit, with significant progress expected next year.

Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that Apple's shipments of 5G chips will reach 35 to 40 million in 2025, and will grow rapidly to 90 to 110 million in 2026 and 160 to 180 million in 2027, respectively.

Ming-Chi Kuo previously revealed that Apple plans to launch two iPhones equipped with its own 5G modem designs in 2025, including the fourth-generation iPhone SE and the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17.

Currently, all iPhones sold by Apple are equipped with Qualcomm modems for cellular connectivity, but with the launch of its own 5G chips, Apple is expected to gradually reduce its reliance on Qualcomm.

Apple's 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm has been extended to 2026, providing ample time for Apple to develop and deploy its own 5G modems.

This strategic shift signals Apple's further vertical integration in key technology areas and greater control over its future product lines.