Apple designed 5G modems for iPhones in 2023, TSMC said to begin production

Apple is reportedly to be working with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to develop its own 5G modems for future iPhone models. According to Nikkei, Apple is reported to be aiming to employ TSMC's 4nm manufacturing node, which hasn't yet been implemented for any commercial device; the modem is supposedly being built and tested at 5nm before transitioning to full production in 2023 at 4nm.

Apple is widely expected to transition to self-designed modems in 2023, and TSMC is the obvious manufacturing partner. Qualcomm, the industry's main player and supplier of modem components for the whole iPhone 13 series, has stated that it expects to account for only 20% of iPhone modem orders in two years. In 2019, Apple purchased Intel's 5G modem division, anticipating the changeover.