Future Apple Vision Pro Could Have 5G Modem

An upcoming version of the Apple Vision Pro headset could be equipped with a custom-designed Apple modem chip, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report on Apple's plans for its in-house modem, Gurman said that Apple is "discussing" bringing cellular support to future Vision Pro models.

Apple Vision Pro Dual Loop Band Orange Feature 2
An Apple-designed modem chip is set to debut in 2025 iPhone SE, low-cost iPad, and iPhone 17 "Air" models, and from there, Apple will iterate on the design and expand the technology to other devices.

The first version of the modem chip will only have slower sub-6GHz 5G connectivity, but a second-generation model will support the faster mmWave 5G speeds, and a third-generation version in 2027 could match or exceed Qualcomm technology. The first 5G chip from Apple isn't likely to be used in a Vision Pro headset, but the second-generation or third-generation versions could be integrated into the Vision Pro, and also future Macs.

Further in the future, Apple could also add its custom modem chip to augmented reality glasses, but that product is still several years away.

Apple's ultimate goal is to phase out Qualcomm 5G modem chips, replacing them with its own modem chips. Because cellular connectivity is integral to the ‌iPhone‌, Apple plans to test its modem technology in lower volume, lower cost products to start with.

The first version of the modem chip is smaller and more integrated with other components that are designed by Apple, but it is not as advanced as Qualcomm's 5G modem chips. Apple modem chips coming in 2026 and 2027 will be more advanced, and eventually, Apple could merge its A-series and M-series with its custom modem chips, developing a single component that would be integrated into its products.

A second-generation Vision Pro headset could launch as early as 2025, with Apple adding an M5 chip but few design changes, but rumors on the future of the Vision Pro have been unclear with some sources pointing toward a Vision Pro 2, and others suggesting Apple wants to focus on a lower-cost model.

Apple is said to be developing a lower-cost version of the Vision Pro that uses more affordable components, and Gurman has said it could come as soon as 2025. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo does not believe that a cheaper Vision Pro will come out until after 2027, however. It is not clear when the Vision Pro could get 5G technology.

Related Roundup: Apple Vision Pro
Buyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Neutral)
Related Forum: Apple Vision Pro

Popular Stories

iphone 16 pro models 1

Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Saturday July 5, 2025 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year. As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayGiven the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and...
imac video apple feature

Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors. Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each. iPhone 17 Series iPho...
iPhone Car Key Kia

Here's Which Vehicles Offer iPhone Car Keys

Sunday July 6, 2025 3:03 pm PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. Apple has a web page with a list of vehicle models that ...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
iOS 26 Feature

Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Monday July 7, 2025 1:20 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July. Transparency In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Friday July 4, 2025 1:05 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are just over two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous...
iphone 17 pro render majin bu

New iPhone 17 Pro Renders Highlight Apple Logo and MagSafe Design Changes

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:43 pm PDT by
New renders today provide the best look yet relocated Apple logo and redesigned MagSafe magnet array of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Image via Majin Bu. Several of the design changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro model have been rumored for some time, such as the elongated camera bump that spans the full width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash moving to the right side. ...
Prime Day 25 Feature Warm Triad

The Best Early Prime Day Deals on Apple Products

Saturday July 5, 2025 7:22 am PDT by
Amazon is soon to be back with its annual summertime Prime Day event, lasting for four days from July 8-11, the longest Prime Day yet. As it does every year, Prime Day offers shoppers a huge selection of deals across Amazon's storefront, and there are already many deals you can get on sale ahead of the event. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a ...
iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island

iPhone 17 Models Rumored to Feature Redesigned Dynamic Island

Monday July 7, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
iPhone 17 models will feature a redesigned Dynamic Island user interface, according to a post today from Digital Chat Station, an account with more than three million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has accurately leaked some information regarding future Apple products in the past. The account did not share any specific details about the alleged changes that are ...

Top Rated Comments

yustas Avatar
8 months ago
Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
t0rqx Avatar
8 months ago
Next article...the new Homepod might be equipped with the new 5G Apple modem.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gleepskip Avatar
8 months ago

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.
I get what you mean, but tell that to my 20-30 devices on my WLAN.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
8 months ago

Who can't wait to have a 5G modem strapped to your head for hours?
As opposed to the one always in very close proximity to "the precious" for decades now??? ;)
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2128506 Avatar
8 months ago

Honestly, the idea of individual internet connections going into each home, only to be converted into a wireless signal inside, is silly now when we can have blanket coverage across many homes and businesses with the cellular network.

The "home internet" era is coming to an end, to be replaced by "internet everywhere". I think Apple sees this.
M-m-m, separate subscription fees for every device. Unstable and slow connections. Getting throttled during peak hours. Every device open to public network. Yes, please!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Plutonius Avatar
8 months ago
For most people, I don't believe that the lack of 5G was a concern.

I think that more people would be interested in making it much lighter.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)