https://www.macrumors.com/2023/11/20/macbook-integrated-cellular-modem-2028/
Apple eventually plans to build its own custom modem into cellular MacBook models that could arrive in 2028 at the earliest, according to...
If they do they become the undisputed king of portability.
It baffles me why Apple didn’t push more proactively sharing cellular over their devices, but it always seemed that it was because of cellular models or cellular companies pressure.
I’m still waiting for the moment you can use cellular as a WiFi backup in a laptop without having to push a button.
Patents and a quagmire of legal hurdles. They have long complained about Qualcomms pricing structure. A company like that has a lock on the industry even Apple can’t fully circumvent without significant costs.
It’s sort of the last piece in the puzzle. Once they get their modems, they become a fully unified system.
You talk about boosting network stability? That’s just the start when you control all the airwaves.
I have half memories of patents for Mac Laptops with cellular modems from like… the late PowerPC early Intel era.
I wonder what’s changed to make Apple give the green light? Certainly isn’t cellular prices.
There was a prototype that popped up on ebay out of nowhere back around 2011. Seemingly made it pretty late into development before the idea was canned.
I’ve heard part of the issue is Qualcomm’s licensing is a percentage of the devices selling cost, so putting the same cellular chip in a MacBoom Pro costs a lot more than putting it in an iPhone. If Apple can make their own chips and doesn’t have to pay that fee it becomes a lot more affordable.
Strange, considering most cell phones have a wireless tether mode. Why would you need a modem in your laptop?
Tethering burns through battery and a laptop's battery is much bigger. I believe Apple's smallest laptop battery has roughly three times the capacity as their biggest iPhone battery. Tethering works well for occasional use but if you've got a job where spend pretty much your whole work day roaming around to different locations, having it built in can be quite useful.