Apple to Utilize TSMC’s 3nm Technology For Its 5G Modem, Risk Production Slated For Late 2023

Apple is planning to put its first 5G modem in its higher-end iPhone series in 2023, breaking the monopoly held by Qualcomm. A recent rumor claims that Apple would use TSMC’s 3nm technology for their bespoke solution, with risk production slated to begin in late 2023, making the iPhone 15 the final series to only utilize Qualcomm’s baseband processors.

Commercial Times cites sources in the supply chain as saying that risk manufacturing won’t begin until the second half of 2023, and that wafer output would rise gradually in the first half of the next year.

Based on this schedule, it seems that the iPhone 15 series will continue to utilize Qualcomm’s 5G modems solely, perhaps taking use of the newest Snapdragon X75, while the iPhone 16 series will transition to Apple’s 5G modem.

Apple’s long-term plan, though, is to combine cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connection into a single offering. Meanwhile, Apple is working on providing a 5G modem with improved power efficiency, tighter connection with the iPhone, and a more robust set of functions for satellite communication.

By developing its own 5G modem, Apple will have more say over both the hardware and software of its devices, giving it the ability to boost both. It’s also a big step in the right direction for Apple’s long-term objective of gaining more control over its supply chain by reducing its reliance on outside vendors.

It will take some time for this change to take effect, but we may start looking forward to 2024. Further information about Apple’s 5G modem, including its expected power savings, improved interaction with the iPhone, and, of course, a more robust set of satellite connection capabilities, is expected to be made available at this time.

Source: Commercial Times