According to reports by The Information, Apple is currently developing its own cellular modem chip for iPhones. Since 5G-enabled iPhones are targeted to be released in 2020, this new project might not debut until the following year. It will take Apple roughly three years to start producing iPhones carrying said technology.
After their failed collaboration with Qualcomm, and their slowly deteriorating relationship with Intel, Apple is shifting towards creating their chips in-house. The company has been actively hiring engineers in San Diego, as the project is situated near their headquarters in California. On the helm of this project is Bernd Adler, who’s formerly an executive on Intel’s modem team.