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Apple’s persistent quest for in-house modems and a sneak peek at their AI-powered robot
Top 3 Key Points:
- Apple is investing billions in developing in-house cellular modems, but they may not enhance device performance.
- Despite issues, Apple’s goal is to reduce reliance on Qualcomm and unify wireless functions in a single chip.
- Apple is also exploring AI-powered robotics, with plans for a $1,000 iPad-based robot, signaling future ambitions.
Apple is continuing to invest billions of dollars and countless work hours into developing its cellular modems. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this project is unlikely to significantly improve the performance of Apple’s devices shortly.
Currently, Apple relies on modems from Qualcomm, a leader in the field, to provide mobile broadband connectivity (3G, 4G, 5G) in its devices. Since 2018, Apple has been working on its in-house modems, driven by the same team behind the impressive M-series chips in Macs and iPads. However, despite six years of effort, Apple has yet to produce a modem that matches Qualcomm’s in terms of performance and reliability, often encountering issues with overheating and subpar functionality.
Gurman suggests that Apple’s motivation for creating its modem may be less about enhancing its devices and more about controlling its supply chain and reducing dependence on Qualcomm. There’s also talk of Apple wanting to integrate all wireless functions—cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth—into a single chip. However, Qualcomm’s stronghold on patents in this space makes it unlikely that Apple will completely break free from them any time soon.
Beyond modems, Apple is venturing into the world of robotics. Gurman reports that Apple is developing a tabletop robot, expected to sell for around $1,000. This robot, powered by advanced AI, will feature an iPad as its “face” and an attached arm. While the concept may seem simple, it represents Apple’s first step into a broader robotics strategy. Gurman speculates that this robot could be released around 2026, allowing Apple time to refine its AI technology and compete with other AI-driven devices.
Though the idea of an iPad on an arm may not sound revolutionary, it’s just the beginning. Apple is reportedly exploring more advanced robotics, including mobile robots for home use and even humanoid robots. While consumer-level humanoid robots may still be far off, Apple’s foray into robotics—much like their Vision Pro headset—indicates the company’s ambition to lead in emerging technologies, even if the practical applications are still years away.