Apple recruits engineers to develop 6G wireless

Apple Inc. launched its first iPhones with 5G wireless speeds a few months ago. He’s now looking to start working on sixth generation, or 6G, cellular connectivity, indicating he wants to be a leader in technology rather than relying on other companies.

The Cupertino, Calif.-Based company posted vacancies this week seeking wireless systems research engineers for current and next-generation networks. The listings are for positions at Apple’s offices in Silicon Valley and San Diego, where the company works on wireless technology development and chip design.

You will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to create next-generation wireless technology that will have a profound impact on future Apple products, according to the job advertisement. “In this role, you will be at the center of a leading research group tasked with creating disruptive next-generation radio access technologies over the next decade.”

Those hired for the positions will research and design next-generation (6G) wireless communication systems for radio access networks and participate in industry / academic forums passionate about 6G technology . Industry watchers don’t expect 6G to be deployed until around 2030, but job postings indicate Apple wants to be involved from the early stages of the development of the new technology. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment.

Apple’s current line of iPhones use 5G modems designed by Qualcomm Inc. While the company launched its first 5G devices at the right time, several phone makers have beaten it in the market and Apple has relied heavily on it. on Qualcomm for connecting to the new wireless network, which significantly improves the amount and speed of data consumers can download. In order to bring 5G into the latest iPhones, Apple has settled a dispute with the San Diego-based chipmaker. Apple’s early involvement in 6G research and design indicates it won’t wait for the next major breakthrough.

Late last year, Apple joined an alliance of companies working on standards for 6G and other next-generation cellular technologies. The standards and timeline for 6G are still unclear, but some analysts believe the technology could enable speeds more than 100 times faster than 5G.

The vacancies are another signal of Apple’s continued desire to develop more technology in-house. The company has designed main processors for the iPhone and iPad, and last year extended that effort to the Mac. It has also stepped up work on its own custom screens and camera technologies, in addition to wireless chips for AirPods, Apple Watch, and precise location data.

Last year, Apple began developing its first custom modem, the chip that allows phones to connect to wireless networks. In a public meeting with employees in December, Johny Srouji, Apple’s head of custom technology and chip, said that long-term strategic investments like these are essential to enable our products and us. ensure that we have a rich pipeline of innovative technologies for our future. “

Although Apple is laying the groundwork to become a key player in 6G, there is still a long way to go to take full advantage of 5G, a technology in its infancy. The company hasn’t rolled out 5G to other devices like the Apple Watch and iPad, and sells several iPhones using older 4G technology. Apple’s first modem is likely to be for 5G connectivity.

Written by Mark Gurman.