At Apple’s U.S.-time Sept. 9 fall launch (beyond iPhone 17 series), the new Apple Watch grabbed attention—with a key industry update: MediaTek has entered Apple’s supply chain to provide 5G Modem chips. This is MediaTek’s first 5G product adopted by Apple, marking its wireless tech joining the top tier.
Supply chains note full Apple Watch upgrades: High-end Ultra and affordable SE models are refreshed. The Ultra adds 5G and satellite communication for the first time (others keep 4G LTE). Apple will also boost in-house modem use to cut reliance on Qualcomm/Intel. MediaTek supplies discrete 5G Modems—its first high-end chip entry into Apple’s ecosystem.
The chip won Apple’s approval for two core strengths: RedCap technology (low power for wearable battery life) and satellite communication support (matching Ultra’s extreme sports focus). Mass production is underway, with momentum to last through year-end.
The partnership took work: MediaTek first engaged Apple in 2019, with Taiwan-U.S. teams co-developing; over 4 years of testing met Apple’s strict quality standards. MediaTek—with 15 years in wireless tech, rich silicon IP, and R&D expertise—is among the few global firms (alongside Qualcomm, Huawei, Samsung) to independently develop 5G modems. Its subsidiary Richtek already supplied Apple with power management ICs—this deal is a key Apple market breakthrough.
Market scale: Apple Watch ships ≥30M units yearly, holding over 50% global smartwatch share. MediaTek has ordered ≥5M chip wafers for demand; strong Apple sales may bring more orders.
ICgoodFind Summary: MediaTek’s Apple Watch supply chain entry proves its 5G strength, will reshape wearable chip competition, and inject new vitality into the industry.
