Apple could finally give us a MacBook that can get online from almost
anywhere but not until 2026 at the earliest

Date:
Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:13:13 +0000

Description:
When the time is right and the cost is affordable it seems Apple is going
to include a 5G modem with Macs.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Apple
is purportedly investigating a 5G modem for its Macs The modem wont be in
Macs until 2026, or maybe even later Its own modem would bring down costs making 5G viable for Macs

Apple is mulling over finally adding a cellular modem to its Macs , after
that prospect has been floating around the rumor mill for some time.

A cellular (5G) modem would mean that MacBooks could hook up to mobile broadband when on the move, as opposed to having to find public Wi-Fi somewhere or be tethered to an iPhone.

The rumor comes from a reliable source regarding Apples inner machinations, Mark Gurman, in an article for Bloomberg (via MacRumors ).

Gurman believes Apple is investigating the idea of a 5G modem in its Macs,
but that such a model wont be here next year itll be 2026 at the earliest
(or maybe even later).

The chip will be a custom-built 5G modem that Apple is readying for certain iPhone and iPad models next year, including the rumored iPhone 17 Air (also referred to as the iPhone 17 Slim). Itll first be deployed on lower-end devices to test the waters before coming to the more heavyweight iOS
hardware.

Apples 5G chip will replace the Qualcomm modems that it uses in iOS devices now, and in theory, if the firms own modems prove to be a success, theyll
come to Macs as well as the flagship iPhone and iPad models.

While the first generation of Apples modem will probably be a relatively modest piece of tech, Gurman believes that the company is planning to outgun Qualcomms modems by the third generation.

That might be a realistic ambition if Apple can achieve a similar success to that witnessed with the transition from Intel processors in Macs to its own M-series chips. (Image credit: Future) Analysis: Bringing down the costs

As MacRumors points out, Gurman has previously said that Macs with 5G modems probably wouldnt debut until 2028, so that timeframe has possibly been moved up. 'Possibly' is the key word there, as 2026 is mentioned as the earliest year we might see cellular-toting Macs, so it could well be more like 2027 before these devices turn up. If at all Apple could always kick this plan further down the road, too.

You might well be wondering: why has it taken so long for Apple to get this modem-for-Mac plan on the table? Well, mainly because of the costly expense
of paying Qualcomm for the necessary modems (and associated tech patent fees) if this were to be done right now something thatll be mitigated considerably when Apple has its own 5G modem.

Certainly, a 5G modem isnt on everyones Mac wishlist, as youll need to stump up for the necessary mobile data subscription to use it, of course. But its going to be a tempting prospect for those who spend a lot of time on the move with their MacBook, and definitely a useful option to have. Note that 5G
will, of course, be an optional addition, and not something youll get on the entry-level models. You might also like... MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: which MacBook is best for you? The best MacBook and Macs 2024: top Apple desktops and laptops These are the top MacBook deals right now



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/macbooks/apple-could-finally-give-us-a-mac book-that-can-get-online-from-almost-anywhere-but-not-until-2026-at-the-earlie st


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)