Only a few months have passed since Apple rolled out its first 5G-capable handset, the iPhone 12, and now the Cupertino technology group is looking to jumpstart 6G development.
Apple is seeking engineers for positions at its Silicon Valley and San Diego offices, where the company works on current and future wireless technologies and chip designs.
Job ads on Apple’s website reveal new hires will design wireless technologies that will have a “deep impact on future Apple products.“ 6G could bring speeds 100+ times faster than 5G.
What does Apple’s job ad say?
The job ads on Apple’s website were first reported by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.
The listings suggest that the company wants to be involved at the earliest stages in the development of the nascent 6G wireless networking technology “for radio access networks.”
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.
Apple’s been attempting to reduce its reliance on suppliers like Qualcomm for iPhone modems—for a few years now, it’s been developing custom 5G modems for use in future iPhones.
Work on advancing wireless continues
Apple, along with Google, Cisco and others, has joined the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS). As per the announcement on the ATIS website, this 6G industry group is tasked with boosting cellular technology in North America to 6G and beyond.
AT&T and other US wireless carriers are already working on 6G technology, but don’t keep your fingers crossed for a 6G iPhone anytime soon—we’re still in the early stages of 5G and industry watchers don’t expect 6G to roll out until 2030.