By 2028 won't the satellite systems like Space X and others be available? Will people even want a MBP with cellular connectivity?
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Apple Plans to Equip MacBooks With In-House Cellular Modems
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Many carriers impose data caps on all "Unlimited" plans (Verizon laptop data plan is 30GB of fast data then it slows to unlimited unusable speeds).
I can see Apple eventually creating their own wireless network. It’s just a matter of time.
They would have to give Qualcomm a percentage of every machine sold with their cellular chip. It’s why iPads and Apple Watch with cellular have a price bump
Wifi (public or private) can be connected to the internet via a 5G modem. Maybe that isn’t common in the US?
I didn’t say that cases where you have power but no wifi don’t exist. I meant to say that cases where you have neither (which in my personal, non-US experience are the vast majority) are common enough to warrant cellular support in MacBooks.
"Apple Talk"?*
It was rumored before the iPhone launch that Apple might become an MVNO, but I'm not sure that's attractive to them. Especially since they'd want to do so in many countries. I think they regard it as a complementary commodity.
*) yes, I know
About time. I think in 8-10 years the average consumer will think it ridiculous to use a hotspot when using a laptop computer. I could never figure out why this is just now happening - it's been present in tablets for over a decade.
I just tether personally, but its a nice option for those who would like to have a data specific plan.
I remember having onboard cell network compatibility on an IBM Thinkpad ~20 years ago. SIM card went into a slot under the battery.
I remember having onboard cell network compatibility on an IBM Thinkpad ~20 years ago. SIM card went into a slot under the battery.
And 16gb of minimum ram?? Please… please…
Apple eventually plans to build its own custom modem into cellular MacBook models that could arrive in 2028 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple has reportedly been working on its own modem since 2018, as it seeks to move away from Qualcomm's component currently used in iPhones. The timeframe for launching the modem has slipped several times and is now expected to be ready around 2026, and Gurman now hears that Apple has plans for the chip appearing in other Apple devices further down the line.
Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says that Apple's custom technology aspirations include integrating an in-house modem into its system-on-a-chip (SoC), which would eventually see the launch of MacBooks with built-in cellular connectivity.
Gurman says Apple will "probably need two or three additional years to get that chip inside cellular versions of the Apple Watch and iPad – and the Mac, once the part is integrated into the company's system-on-a-chip."
Apple has explored the possibility of developing MacBooks with cellular connectivity in the past. Indeed, the company reportedly considered launching a MacBook Air with 3G connectivity, but former CEO Steve Jobs said in 2008 that Apple decided against it, since it would take up too much room in the case. An integrated SoC would solve that problem.
Gurman's latest newsletter also said some of Apple's other ongoing in-house chip projects include camera sensors, batteries, a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will eventually replace parts from Broadcom, Micro-LED displays for Apple devices, and a non-invasive glucose monitoring system.
Article Link: Apple Plans to Equip MacBooks With In-House Cellular Modems
I guess I don't understand the aversion to using the hotspot that I already pay for in lieu of adding yet another entire cellular line. The process to connect to my iPhone hotspot is exactly the same as connecting to a wifi network.
Where is the iPhone during this time? Just connect away, the phone doesn't care if it's in a bag or something.
I really look forward to whipping out my laptop and typing goofy stuff in the MacRumors comment section even when I'm away from WiFi... this is real technological progress IMO. 
IMO if they haven't done it yet, they won't.
They missed out on 20 years of being able to offer commercial users the ability to use Macs instead of PC's in the mobile terminal/workstation space that isn't reliant on a phone or anything else.
I use and love my hotspot features of my iPhone, but it's main downfall is that it goes to "sleep" very quickly when unused, and you have to physically toggle on/off.
They missed out on 20 years of being able to offer commercial users the ability to use Macs instead of PC's in the mobile terminal/workstation space that isn't reliant on a phone or anything else.
I use and love my hotspot features of my iPhone, but it's main downfall is that it goes to "sleep" very quickly when unused, and you have to physically toggle on/off.
I remember in the 2000's they had cellular modems that plugged into your laptop via expresscard34 lol. Was so baller.
Surprised mainstream LTE/5G/etc laptops never came out, I guess it drains the battery too much. Its something thats been rumored on macbooks for like 10+ years
Surprised mainstream LTE/5G/etc laptops never came out, I guess it drains the battery too much. Its something thats been rumored on macbooks for like 10+ years
I use and hate the hotspot feature - why drain two devices when you can just drain 1.
What if you walk away from your laptop, connection lost and you need to reconnect, which may be simple or need a VPN login and access token.
So, 25 years after pcmcia modem cards and 20 years after integrated modems in PCs, Apple is going to put a cell modem in MacBooks? This has got to be a joke rumor. Apple is flushing out leakers again.
That would be super hot.
But 2028? That is very very far in the future.
But 2028? That is very very far in the future.
completely agree!
Because Apple is terrible with RF design. Look at their problems with Bluetooth and WiFi.
My iPad Pro 11 with 5G has a constant network when I'm out and about, but the connection sometimes drops when I connect a device to my iPhone via the hotspot. This was the case with my IPhone 13 pro max and also now with the 13 Pro Max.
Nobody has to buy it, I would!
The new version from Apple will only have the same range as WiFi. But at that range it will work better than any other Cellular modem every created.
eSIM only likely in the US.
Reps for the large carriers I have had to deal with have been saying for a little bit now that this will be the future.