Apple Inc.’s effort to build its own modem technology will set the stage for a range of new devices, starting with slimmer iPhones and potentially leading to cellular-connected Macs and headsets.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman adds that "By using its own modem, Apple is able to create a smartphone that’s about 2 millimeters thinner than an iPhone 16 Pro, while still having room for the battery, display and camera system. Over time, the shift could allow for other new designs. That includes foldable devices — a concept Apple continues to explore.

With its own modem in the pipeline, Apple is investigating the idea of bringing cellular connectivity to the Mac for the first time. That means users wouldn’t need Wi-Fi to get online. To date, that capability has been reserved for the iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad. But cellular connections are unlikely to come to the Mac before 2026, when Apple is planning a second-generation modem that includes support for faster speeds."

Bringing cellular connectivity to a MacBook is far from a new idea. From 2010 through to 2017 Patently Apple covered 16 patents regarding such a possible development. Our cover graphic is from our 2010 patent report. The other 15 patents on this could be found in our "Cellular MacBook" archives. It's nice to think that someone at Apple is considering to make this a reality now that they're developing their new 5G modem.

Gurman further noted that "The company is also discussing bringing cellular support to headsets, including future models of the Vision Pro. Someday, the technology may also be used in lightweight augmented reality glasses, though such a device is years away.

The first modem will also appear in low-end iPads next year, with the 2026 update coming to Pro versions of the iPhone and iPad. The company isn’t currently working on its own modem for the Apple Watch. For more, read the full Bloomberg report.