Qualcomm to Supply 5G Chips for iPhones Through at Least 2026 Amid Apple 5G Modem Pushback

US chipmaker Qualcomm will continue to supply iPhones with its 5G modems through 2026.

As Apple struggles with internal delays with its own chips, it needs a solution to successfully market its upcoming smartphones.

Qualcomm 5G Chips to Power iPhones Through 2026

In a report by CNBC, Qualcomm officials along with some analysts from Wall Street have anticipated that Apple will continue to rely on 5G modems starting next year.

Since the intended release of the Apple-made 5G modems won't happen in 2024, it's the only solution that the Cupertino giant finds viable at the time.

While Qualcomm is expected to supply Apple's iPhones at least through 2026, only about 20% of the 5G chips will be used during that year.

Tech Insider Believes Apple Will Use Own Chips Starting in 2025

Ming-Chi Kuo, a prominent tech leaker, analyst, and insider claimed that it will still take time for Apple to use its 5G modems.

According to Kuo, the iPhone maker will rely on its chips by 2025. This supports Qualcomm's confirmation that its processors making their way to iPhones.

Some experts said that the timeline for these changes remains uncertain at the time of writing. Some believe that Apple will first test out its in-house modem in another gadget.

Additionally, this could mean that before becoming available for the iPhone, it could first be an official chip for future iPads. The suggested time frame could be sooner than 2025 or 2026.

Embracing Self-Designed Chip Could Net Profits For Apple

As 9to5Mac reports, Apple could take advantage of gaining big profits by integrating its self-designed 5G modem into its own products.

Rather than relying on Qualcomm and decreasing the licensing fees paid to the semiconductor firm, Apple's profit margins will increase over time per iPhone unit sold.

It will still take two years for this to happen as Apple will be dependent on Qualcomm. This suggests that the iPhone 15 series will be revealed at the Wanderlust event and will adopt the said chip.

Speaking of the iPhone 15, CNN reports that audiences could expect a huge change to its charging.

With the announced arrival of USB-C charging support in 2024, iPhone users need to adjust to using a USB-C wall adapter which is different from the one that they are currently using.

Other than that, it is expected that the iPhone 15 family will have a "Dynamic Island" feature. This rumored functionality will be the substitute for the notch on the screen's top part. This was previously seen on the iPhone 14 Pro variants.

Outside the iPhone 15 discussions, Apple is also expected to unveil more details about its mixed reality headset dubbed the "Vision Pro." This smart wearable uses both virtual and augmented reality.