By Uzma Sahar 
A Milestone for Apple: In-House Modem Unveiled
Apple is set to revolutionize its hardware lineup with the debut of its first in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. The highly-anticipated modem will launch alongside the next-generation iPhone SE in 2025, marking a significant shift in Apple’s technological independence.
Years in the Making
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reveals that Apple has spent over five years perfecting this modem. Designed for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Sinope will initially power the iPhone SE and select low-end iPads. Although it supports sub-6 5G, it falls short of mmWave capabilities offered by Qualcomm.
With four-carrier aggregation and lab-tested speeds of up to 4Gbps, the modem delivers respectable performance. While not yet a match for Qualcomm, it benefits from seamless integration with Apple processors, promising better power efficiency and enhanced satellite connectivity.
Design and Features of the Next iPhone SE
The new iPhone SE will feature an edge-to-edge display, pairing sleek aesthetics with the power of Apple Intelligence. The modem will also incorporate an RF front-end system, “Carpo,” designed by Apple to optimize mobile connectivity.
Despite lacking mmWave technology, Apple’s solution will manage dual SIM standby and ensure efficient SAR (specific absorption rate) limits, ensuring a smooth user experience.
The Road Ahead for Apple’s Modem Technology
Apple’s journey doesn’t stop here. By 2026, the second-generation modem will introduce mmWave 5G support and enhanced carrier aggregation capabilities, debuting in the iPhone 18 series. Looking further, 2027 will bring a third-generation modem with groundbreaking satellite network integration and AI advancements, potentially surpassing Qualcomm’s offerings.
This roadmap underscores Apple’s strategy to gain full control over its hardware ecosystem, leveraging proprietary technology for greater innovation and reduced reliance on external suppliers.