According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple ultimately plans to build a self-developed 5G modem into MacBook models, which may be launched as early as 2028. Apple has reportedly been developing its own modems since 2018 in an attempt to move away from the components Qualcomm currently uses in iPhones. The modem's launch timeline has been pushed back several times, and it's now expected to be ready around 2026.
Gurman has now heard that Apple has plans for the chip to appear in other Apple devices. Gurman wrote in his latest PowerOn newsletter that Apple's custom technology aspirations include integrating its own modems into system-on-a-chip (SoCs) and eventually launching MacBooks with built-in cellular connectivity.
Gurman said Apple "will probably be two or three years away from using this chip in cellular versions of Apple Watch and iPads and Macs once it's integrated into the company's system-on-a-chip."
Apple has explored the possibility of developing MacBooks with cellular connectivity in the past. In fact, the company reportedly considered launching a MacBook Air with 3G connectivity, but former CEO Steve Jobs said in 2008 that Apple decided not to do so because it would take up too much space, and an integrated SoC could solve that problem.
Gurman's latest communication also said that other internal chip projects Apple is working on include camera sensors, batteries, a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo chip that will eventually replace Broadcom parts, micro-LED displays for Apple devices, and non-invasive glucose monitoring systems.