iPhone 5G modem to be made on TSMC’s 3nm process: report

Apple may switch to its own 5G modems with future iPhone models. Now, a new report says the Cupertino-based tech giant will use 3nm technology from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for its internal 5G modems. TSMC is expected to start trial production in the second half of this year. The iPhone 16 series, which is expected to be unveiled in 2024, could feature the company’s own 5G iPhone modem chips. iPhone 15 models could use Qualcomm’s 5G modems exclusively.

The iPhone maker has been trying to develop its own 5G modems in recent years to reduce reliance on Qualcomm as a supplier. According to a new report from the Commercial Times, Apple’s in-house 5G modem chip will be built based on TSMC’s 3nm technology. The supporting RFIC could use the TSMC’s 7nm process node. The chipmaker is expected to begin trial production for Apple in the second half of this year and it could gradually increase production volume in the first half of 2024.

Apple previously assumed to use its in-house 5G modem chips with the iPhone 15 series. This timeline suggests that this year’s lineup could be powered by Qualcomm’s 5G modems. Current iPhone 14 models feature a Snapdragon X65 5G modem chip.

The iPhone 15 series is expected to feature the Snapdragon X70 5G modem chip. Apple’s own 5G modem chips are expected to debut in the iPhone 16 series.

TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said earlier that Qualcomm will remain the sole supplier of iPhone 5G modem chips with a 100% supply share. Qualcomm was previously expected to pick up just 20% of iPhone modem orders. The modem was reportedly designed and tested at 5nm before moving to mass production in 2023 at 4nm. Apple is expected to reveal more details about its 5G modem in the coming days.