Future Apple Watch models will finally support 5G connectivity as Apple plans to adopt MediaTek modems in a move away from Intel-made ones, reports Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.
In a new report detailing upcoming changes to the Apple Watch, Gurman expects Apple to switch to MediaTek modems from Intel on its smartwatch in the near future. The Cupertino company aims to further cut its reliance on Intel after the introduction of Apple silicon for the Mac and dropping the troubled semiconductor’s processors.
The proposed switch will also bring some user-facing benefits to the Apple Watch with the introduction of 5G speeds for the first time. So far, cellular Apple Watch models have been limited to 4G LTE since the introduction of the Series 3 in 2017, but that could change soon thanks to the new MediaTek modems.
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The new modems would support 5G Redcap, a substandard of 5G made specifically for internet-of-things devices and smartwatches. While speeds are unlikely to match full 5G on smartphones, it should still offer lower latency and other improvements compared to 4G LTE.
Additionally, Apple has no current plans to equip the Apple Watch with its in-house modems that are rumored to launch on the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 17 Air next year. Other connectivity-related features coming to the Apple Watch include satellite connectivity, which could launch as soon as next year with the Ultra 3.
