Apple is actively reserving technical talents for the 6G communication standard that has not yet been commercialized. 

This move stems from its experience and lessons in 5G baseband research and development. It took Apple six years to 

launch its first self-developed C1 5G baseband in February 2025, which is currently only used in entry-level iPhone 16e 

models. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon confirmed that Apple's high-end models will continue to use Qualcomm's 5G 

baseband until March 2027.

In order to take the initiative when 6G is commercialized around 2030, Apple has released at least 9 6G-related positions 

worldwide. Recruitment positions include cellular network architecture engineers in Israel and 6G AI wireless engineers in 

San Diego, California. AvidThink analyst Roy Chua said: "This is not surprising. Six years after Apple acquired Intel's 

baseband business, it finally realized the commercialization of its self-developed baseband in mid- and low-end models, 

but it has not yet caught up with the performance of Qualcomm's flagship baseband."

Analysts believe that Apple needs to lay out 6G patent technology several years in advance. Recon Analytics analyst 

Daryl Schoolar pointed out: "It will take ten years for 6G to go from concept to commercial use, and companies like 

Apple must reserve talent in advance." Techsponential President Avi Greengart added: "Now is a critical period to 

invest in 6G standard research and development and accumulate intellectual property to reduce future licensing costs."

Currently, the 6G standard is still in the early stages of formulation. As the standard advances, more communication 

equipment manufacturers are expected to join the talent war. Similar to traditional communication giants such as Ericsson, 

Huawei, and Nokia, Apple needs to build its own patent portfolio before 6G is commercialized. This strategic layout will 

help Apple gain greater voice in the future field of communication technology.