Tech News

Apple ‘Investigating’ Macs With Cellular Connectivity and Vision Pro with In-House Modems: Report

Highlights

Apple might add cellular connectivity to Macs by 2026.
Apple plans to start using its in-house modem technology in iPhones and iPads from next year.
The company is also exploring cellular support for its Vision Pro headset and future augmented reality glasses.

Cellular connectivity will reportedly come to MacBooks as soon as 2026. (Image credit – Apple)

It has been widely reported earlier the Apple is advancing its ambitious plan to replace Qualcomm with its own modem technology in various Apple devices. A more recent Bloomberg report now suggests that Apple’s multi-year roadmap for the same is ready and the company is all set to bring in-house modem chips to the iPhone and iPad.

Bloomberg, in a follow-up report, also revealed that Apple is also exploring cellular connectivity for Macs for the first time in the company’s history.

Here’s a quick recap of the recent Bloomberg report.

Cellular Connectivity for Macs by 2026

According to the report, Apple could introduce cellular connectivity to Macs as early as 2026. This will most likely powered by Apple’s second-generation modem. Cellular connectivity would allow Mac users to access the internet without relying on Wi-Fi.

“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,” Bloomberg stated.

However, this feature will only roll out after 2026 as Apple plans to introduce a more advanced modem by then, offering faster speeds and improved capabilities.

Apple is expected to transition to its custom cellular modem starting next year with three devices including iPhone SE 4, iPhone 17 Air and Base model iPad. Meanwhile, a higher-end version of the modem with faster 5G connectivity is expected to launch in 2025 with the iPhone 18 Pro.

Vision Pro and AR Glasses with Cellular Support

Apple ‘investigating’ bringing cellular to the Mac for the first time

Bloomberg report also reveals that Apple is eyeing cellular support for its Vision Pro headset. The report notes, “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.”

These efforts suggest Apple’s broader goal of integrating its custom modem technology across its ecosystem to provide faster connectivity while also reducing reliance on external suppliers.

FAQs

Q1. When will Apple introduce cellular connectivity to Macs?

Answer. According to the report, Apple could introduce cellular connectivity to Macs as early as 2026, powered by Apple’s second-generation modem.

Q2. Which devices will Apple start using its in-house modem technology in next year?

Answer. Apple plans to start using its in-house modem technology in the iPhone SE 4, iPhone 17 Air, and base model iPad from next year.

Q3. What future feature is Apple considering for the Vision Pro headset?

Answer. Apple is discussing bringing cellular support to future models of the Vision Pro headset and potentially to lightweight augmented reality glasses.