Sketchy rumour says Apple plans to abandon 5G modem development

It has been over four years since Apple acquired Intel's 5G modem vertical. However, it couldn't use any of its in-house modems for two reasons: first, a legal tussle with Qualcomm; second, it doesn't have any. A sketchy rumour from an often-correct South Korean blog says Apple has decided to axe its 5G modems indefinitely.

The post says that Apple has failed to develop a working product and that the project will be abandoned soon. That said, it is far too early to jump to conclusions. Apple's in-house 5G modem was slated to debut alongside the iPhone SE 4, (US$272 on Amazon) which is rumoured for a 2025 release. Even after that, the iPhone 18 will supposedly use a Qualcomm 5G modem.

As always, it's best to treat the information with scepticism, more so because it comes from an unknown source. Additionally, Apple has already struck a "multibillion-dollar" deal with Broadcom to make 5G components. It wouldn't have happened if Apple wanted to exit the business.