Apple is eyeing rapid production expansion for its long-rumored custom 5G modem project which could finally debut on some iPhone models next year. The company is reportedly targeting shipments of around 100 million units by 2026, reports the reliable Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a new post on X, Kuo estimates that Apple’s in-house 5G modem shipments will reach around 40 million units in 2025 when it debuts on the iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 ‘Slim.’ By 2026, the 5G modem is expected to expand to other iPhone models, contributing to a significant shipment growth that could top between 90 and 110 million units, before further growing to 180 million in 2027.
The rapid expansion and deployment of Apple’s modem chips will deal a significant blow to Qualcomm’s modem business as a whole, achieving its shipments and licensing sales. Apple kicked off its own 5G modem efforts to lessen its reliance on Qualcomm after believing it’s been overpaying royalties for the modem chipmaker. The project reportedly suffered many delays amid technical challenges, but that could finally be resolved in time for some 2025 iPhone models.
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To this effect, Apple renewed its licensing deal with Qualcomm to continue supplying 5G modems for the iPhone, with the new deal running to 2026. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are expected to feature Qualcomm’s X75 modem with support for 5G Advanced speeds and other performance enhancements.
