Apple Moves Toward Cellular-Connected Mac and Headphones: Apple is developing new proprietary technology for modem chips,
paving the way for innovative devices, including slimmer iPhones,
Mac computers and headphones with cellular connectivity.
According to informed sources, the company is expected
to rely on an internally designed advanced modem chip that will debut next year.
According to a report published by Bloomberg,
this chip will gradually replace components provided by Qualcomm over three years.
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in-house modem
Slimmer and more innovative designs
Cellular connectivity comes to Mac
Headphones with cellular connectivity
Replacing Qualcomm components with an in-house modem
Apple engineers have long faced challenges due
to the large space occupied by Qualcomm components inside iPhones.
To address this issue, the company developed a new modem,
codenamed “Sinope,” which integrates more seamlessly with other internal components,
making it more energy-efficient and space-saving.
The first device to benefit from this new modem will be the upcoming iPhone SE,
which is expected to launch next year.
It will be followed by another device codenamed “D23,” anticipated for release in late 2025.
This device is said to be the thinnest in Apple’s history,
reflecting the company’s efforts to reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
Slimmer and more innovative designs
Thanks to this internal modem,
Apple can offer a smartphone that is approximately 2mm thinner
than the iPhone 16 Pro while maintaining space for the battery and essential components.
These advancements may eventually lead to entirely new designs,
including foldable devices, which Apple continues to explore.
Cellular connectivity comes to Mac
With its progress in modem development,
Apple is exploring the possibility of adding cellular connectivity to Mac devices for the first time,
enabling users to connect to the internet without relying on Wi-Fi networks.
Headphones with cellular connectivity
Apple is also considering incorporating cellular connectivity into future headphones,
including new versions of the Vision Pro.
This move aims to expand the capabilities of future devices,
such as lightweight augmented reality glasses,
which may take several more years to reach the market.
The new modem chips are expected to be used initially
in low-cost iPad models next year,
with future updates covering Pro models of iPhones and iPads by 2026.
However, there are currently no plans to develop
an internal modem to support cellular connectivity for Apple Watches.
Apple Moves Toward Cellular-Connected Mac and Headphones