Apple began recruiting engineers to develop 6G

Bloomberg recently discovered that Apple is hiring engineers for the next-generation communication technology 6G research and development. These engineers will work at Apple’s two offices in Silicon Valley and San Diego.

Apple stated in the recruitment announcement: “You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to craft next generation wireless technology that will have deep impact on future Apple products. In this role you will be at the center of a cutting-edge research group responsible for creating next generation disruptive radio access technologies over the next decade.” The personnel in this position will “research and design next generation (6G) wireless communication systems for radio access networks” and “participate in industry/academic forums passionate about 6G technology.”

When it comes to cutting-edge communications technology, as a technology giant, Apple did not launch a 5G-supported product for the first time until last year. Fortunately, this is not too late, because 6G technology will be difficult to come out before 2030.

However, Apple wants to participate in the early development of 6G technology as soon as possible. At the end of 2020, Apple joined the Next G Alliance. The alliance is an industry organization established by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS).

The Next G Alliance held its first member meeting in November 2020. Technology companies such as Google, Cisco, Intel, and LG attended the meeting. The meeting mainly discussed the overall direction and strategy of the alliance.

What is the purpose of Apple hurriedly joining the early 6G technology R&D team this time? Naturally, it is to realize the core hardware of self-developed equipment and prevent it from being restricted by external factors.

In 2019, Apple and Qualcomm fought an epic legal battle and finally reached a settlement. After the settlement, Apple abandoned Intel’s modems and continued to use Qualcomm products.

Earlier news said that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X60 modem in the iPhone in 2021, and then use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X65 modem in the iPhone in 2022.

However, Barclays analysts predict that Apple will officially launch its self-developed 5G modem before 2023, thereby getting rid of its dependence on Qualcomm’s modem.