Future Apple Vision Pro Could Have 5G Modem

[MacRumors]

An upcoming version of the Apple Vision Pro headset could be equipped with a custom-designed Apple modem chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report on Apple's plans for its in-house modem, Gurman said that Apple is "discussing" bringing cellular support to future Vision Pro models.

An Apple-designed modem chip is set to debut in 2025 iPhone SE, low-cost iPad, and iPhone 17 "Air" models, and from there, Apple will iterate on the design and expand the technology to other devices.

The first version of the modem chip will only have slower sub-6GHz 5G connectivity, but a second-generation model will support the faster mmWave 5G speeds, and a third-generation version in 2027 could match or exceed Qualcomm technology. The first 5G chip from Apple isn't likely to be used in a Vision Pro headset, but the second-generation or third-generation versions could be integrated into the Vision Pro, and also future Macs.

Further in the future, Apple could also add its custom modem chip to augmented reality glasses, but that product is still several years away.

Apple's ultimate goal is to phase out Qualcomm 5G modem chips, replacing them with its own modem chips. Because cellular connectivity is integral to the iPhone, Apple plans to test its modem technology in lower volume, lower cost products to start with.

The first version of the modem chip is smaller and more integrated with other components that are designed by Apple, but it is not as advanced as Qualcomm's 5G modem chips. Apple modem chips coming in 2026 and 2027 will be more advanced, and eventually, Apple could merge its A-series and M-series with its custom modem chips, developing a single component that would be integrated into its products.

A second-generation Vision Pro headset could launch as early as 2025, with Apple adding an M5 chip but few design changes, but rumors on the future of the Vision Pro have been unclear with some sources pointing toward a Vision Pro 2, and others suggesting Apple wants to focus on a lower-cost model.

Apple is said to be developing a lower-cost version of the Vision Pro that uses more affordable components, and Gurman has said it could come as soon as 2025. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo does not believe that a cheaper Vision Pro will come out until after 2027, however. It is not clear when the Vision Pro could get 5G technology.

Article Link: Future Apple Vision Pro Could Have 5G Modem

 

[t0rqx]

Next article...the new Homepod might be equipped with the new 5G Apple modem.

 

[yustas]

Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?

 

[Apple Fan 2008]

Please God no

 

[klasma]

Will it be based on the Apple IIc?

(Because 2C + 3D = 5G.)

 

[coolfactor]

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.

 

[Remy149]

Once Apple has their own cellular chip that doesn’t obligate them to give Qualcomm percentage of the total cost of a product. I’m sure most Apple devices will have connectivity were it makes sense. These types of articles are reductive

 

[coolfactor]

Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?

Don't worry, it will be another dongle that you can hang from the ceiling.

 

[gleepskip]

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.

I get what you mean, but tell that to my 20-30 devices on my WLAN.

 

[Plutonius]

For most people, I don't believe that the lack of 5G was a concern.

I think that more people would be interested in making it much lighter.

 

[jz0309]

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.

not a chance for decades, coverage is adequate in some areas but not in most places ...

 

[jz0309]

Next article...the new Homepod might be equipped with the new 5G Apple modem.

if the yet to be released new trackpad, the one with USB-C, will have a 5G modem - instant buy!

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

5G Modem = "about $1000 off" based on "free*" iPhone pricing.

One simple change and it becomes easy to spin $3499 as $2499* and yet Apple still gets paid in full and this doesn't involve having to make significant compromises to key "vision" features like 4K-per-eye (like the "cheaper ones" people sling as competition). We don't get 4K per eye for $500 or $1000 unless Apple flips from "another record quarter" philosophy to "let's lose money instead of make it", and/or if they find ways to get others to help pay for it... like tapping into the cell phone subsidy money.

Another simple change like 24 months 0% and a small downpayment gets "latest & greatest" for $99/month**. Again, Apple gets paid in full but now buyers can think in terms of payments- like they do for many other Apple offerings instead of one big purchase price.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?

As opposed to the one always in very close proximity to "the precious" for decades now???

 

[jole]

Once Apple has their own cellular chip that doesn’t obligate them to give Qualcomm percentage of the total cost of a product. I’m sure most Apple devices will have connectivity were it makes sense. These types of articles are reductive

There are only two reasons why every device does not already use 5G:

• Modem vendors pricing is based on % of the total device cost (Apple is about to solve this)
• Carriers are having ridiculous subscription prices (instead of usage based charges)

Latter is likely not solved in US any time soon due to lack of competition, but that does not block Apple adding 5G to every device.

 

[sleeptodream]

Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?

I’ve thought for a while that part of the reason they have the external battery pack was so in the future it could house a cellular antenna without it being close to your head

 

[Lurker-Monkey]

Seriously, if this device ever gets an update it will need to get a 12g modem to be current.

 

[bmark]

Yes let’s make the device even heavier! Let’s put in satellite phone while we are at it. Users in Dubai will line up for thie.

 

[JohnC1959]

I suppose if the 5G chip is cheap enough they may as well put one in. Whether you then sign up for cell service is a different question

 

[HylianKnight]

If they don’t put a cellular modem in their freaking MacBooks before then…

 

[vantelimus]

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.

Getting rid of WiFi is a nice vision. However, it will take longer than you think. WiFi will remain necessary to support IoT devices. All the connected appliances (fridge, washer, dryer, oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, and flatscreen TV.) I bought last year for a new house operate on WiFi. Those will not be replaced for at least 10 to 20 years. So, it may be that my fiber will be replaced by cellular at some point, but that cellular will connect to a WiFi router in my house.

 

[nsayer]

Hey, how about including a 5G modem as an option in the MBP? Why must I tether it to something else?

 

[CarAnalogy]

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.

I certainly hope not.

For one thing, it's done that way because WAN and LAN technologies have different needs and are designed for different things.

For another, I don't need the ISP managing my private network devices TYVM.

With IPv6 eventually getting there, the addressing issue can be solved and everything can be directly internet addressable, but no, I don't think users or ISPs want the ISP to manage all devices on LANs directly. Even at home.

 

[vantelimus]

Hey, how about including a 5G modem as an option in the MBP? Why must I tether it to something else?

Probably because you don't want to pay the cell company an extra fee to add a device to your cell plan. I always have my phone with me. When I'm out of the house with my iPad, I tether it to my phone. It works great. I just checked how much it would cost to have the iPad added as a data-only connection to my AT&T account. That would be an extra $20/month for no appreciable difference in service and the ever-so-slight convenience of not having to have my phone nearby. YMMV

 

[Phineasgage1848]

If the Vision Pro gets a cellular connection before the Mac...come on what the hell