iPhone Will Continue to Use Qualcomm Chips through 2026

Qualcomm just recently announced that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm 5G chips for the iPhone at least through 2026. Previously, the company declared to investors to use Qualcomm 5G modem till 2024. Now, Apple’s modem chip is facing a delay of two more years.

The statement confirms that the original schedule for the Apple 5G modem has been pushed back from the initial 2024 release window. Qualcomm says it now expects to supply only about 20% of the modems needed for Apple’s 2026 smartphone launch. We can also say that we may see the first Apple-designed modem arrive with the iPhone 17 or 18.

iPhone Will Continue to Use Qualcomm Chips through 2026

Last week analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple will use its own modem chip beginning in 2025. But the latest report has shown a delay of more than that.

It is possible that this timeline will be changed again. Some analysts believe that Apple will first use its in-house modem design in another product, like possibly an iPad, before relying on it for its flagship iPhone range. This could mean we see the Apple modem launch in a product sooner than the 2025/2026 timeframe.

An Apple-designed 5G chip could result in a more power-efficient design. Moreover, it will allow Apple to integrate the modem directly into the SoC. It will also improve Apple’s profit margins over time, by reducing the licensing fees it pays to Qualcomm per iPhone unit sold.

However, at least for the next couple of generations, Apple will totally depend on Qualcomm will remain. The newly launched iPhone 15 lineup also come with Qualcomm’s modem.