Apple's in-house cellular modem is set to debut in the iPhone SE next spring, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This long-awaited modem is expected to eventually be integrated into other Apple devices like the iPad and Apple Watch.
Beyond Mobile: Cellular MacBooks on the Horizon
Gurman's report suggests Apple is exploring the possibility of incorporating this modem into MacBooks, potentially offering users a more secure and reliable internet connection on the go. Currently, MacBook users rely on tethering or potentially insecure public Wi-Fi. Future Macs: Cellular Connectivity and Notch-less Designs discusses potential design changes.
This shift could eliminate the need for tethering or public Wi-Fi, leveraging 5G speeds that often surpass public Wi-Fi performance. 9to5Mac Daily: iPhone SE 4, VR Gaming, and Cellular Macs provides additional insights into Apple's plans for cellular Macs.
However, a cellular MacBook is unlikely to appear before 2026. Apple intends to utilize a later-generation modem with faster speeds for these devices. The initial modem in the iPhone SE will have limitations, such as a maximum speed of 4Gbps and no mmWave support.
While the specific MacBook models to receive the modem remain undisclosed, it's anticipated that at least the MacBook Pro line will offer this feature. Similar to the iPad and Apple Watch, cellular connectivity will likely be an optional, extra-cost feature. For more on Apple's advancements in technology, see macOS 15.3: Enhanced AI, Creative Tools, and Smart Home Features.