Instead of using Qualcomm's modems in the iPhone, Apple has taken a big step towards making its own chips. This is an important step towards the company's self-reliance. For several years Apple has been developing its own modems (codenamed Cynope, Ganymede and Prometheus).
The company's first chip 'Synope' will be used in the 2025 iPhone SE. However, it may not match Qualcomm's high-end chips in terms of speed or performance. It will use sub-6 5G technology, which provides better coverage. But it won't work as fast as Qualcomm's chip. The iPhone 16 Pro gets 10 Gbps download speeds thanks to the Qualcomm chip.
With this chip, the iPhone SE itself will bring surprises. However, information about other features of the phone is still kept secret. The SE series generally borrows design and hardware from previous premium iPhones. If Apple follows this simple strategy, it could be an affordable phone with good performance. But now it will include Apple's own chip technology.
If Apple follows its previous strategy, the iPhone SE will be an affordable phone with good performance. But the new aspect is that this phone will now have Apple's own chip technology.
Even before this, Apple is creating its own solution by excluding the long-standing supplier. An example of the company's independence is the 2020 M1 chip, which revolutionized Mac performance and efficiency. At the same time, Apple phased out Intel's processors. Over the next few years, Apple updated each Mac model with its own silicon chip.
Apple can gain several advantages by designing its own chips. This will enable deeper integration between hardware and software. This is something that Apple usually does very well, and it will save costs in the long run. Apple doesn't have to rely on Qualcomm's blueprints if it makes its own chips. The company will be able to innovate and customize new features faster. In 2019, Apple bought Intel's modem business, which helped them acquire important skills and assets. But this journey was not easy.
According to various reports, Apple's chip prototypes still lag behind Qualcomm's modem in performance. Apple decided to launch the iPhone SE late, especially as it lags behind Qualcomm's modems in terms of efficiency and global compatibility.
Apple's outline gives a clearer picture of the company's future plans. The Ganymede chip is planned to be used in many Apple models in 2026. Prometheus will arrive in 2027. Meanwhile, Apple has extended its deal with Qualcomm until 2027, which will serve as a safe alternative during this gradual transition.
References: Neowin
