So here it is; Apple’s first in-house cellular modem. Debuted in the low-stakes iPhone 16e, the replacement to the SE line, the modem is the culmination of Intel’s disastrous attempt to attack Qualcomm’s leadership in the RF realm. Apple bailed Intel out, paying $1 billion for those distressed assets, and hopes to find value in cheaper components and technological independence. Crucially, Apple will reportedly stop using Qualcomm modems in 2026. Apple is Qualcomm’s largest customer, at around 20% of its annual revenues, meaning that there is a pressing need for Qualcomm to diversify. The iPhone 16e gives Apple a low-stakes debut, as if it does not have stellar performance, it can deflect these criticisms by pointing to its $600 price…