[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is moving to secure staff to develop next-generation cellular modems as it prepares for a shift to 6G.

On Oct. 21 (local time), IT outlet 9to5Mac reported that Apple recently posted a job opening for a "6G cellular modem system engineer."

The hiring is seen as a move by Apple to expand its in-house cellular modem capabilities to the next generation. According to the posting, the hire will define functions and requirements for next-generation cellular modems. The person will also design algorithms to improve performance and power efficiency. The role also includes working with hardware and software teams so the technology can be applied to products.

Apple described the position as a "rare opportunity" to shape the future of wireless communications. The job posting lists base annual pay at $175,000 to $308,500. It also includes stock awards and other benefits.

Qualifications were set relatively high. Apple required a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related field, along with more than 10 years of industry experience in cellular technology. It also listed strong understanding of cellular communications standards and the ability to use Matlab, C and C++, and Python as requirements.

A notable point is that experience using tools based on generative AI and large language models was included in the minimum qualifications. Apple specified this as a condition to accelerate engineering workflows. Wireless communications research papers or patent records were included as preferred qualifications.

The posting is also drawing attention because 6G remains in an early development stage with time still needed before commercialization. Companies and industry groups are currently working to determine 6G's technical direction and standards. The International Telecommunication Union has suggested a potential peak 6G speed of up to 200 Gbps. That compares with 5G's theoretical peak speed of 20 Gbps. Research is also under way on lowering latency targets to around 0.1 milliseconds.

AI is also expected to play a bigger role in 6G. AI is expected to be used to automatically adjust networks to changing environments, optimize signal quality and traffic, and reduce power consumption. Apple's requirement for generative AI capabilities at the hiring stage also aligns with this trend.

Commercialization is still some way off. The first official 6G technical specifications are expected to be finalized around late 2028. After that, the emergence of commercial networks and compatible devices is being discussed around 2030. As a result, this hiring by Apple is more about securing staff in advance to fit a long-term communications chip roadmap than about an immediate product launch.

Apple has increased the share of core wireless communications components it develops in-house. Within that trend, this hiring is likely to lead to preparatory work to build internal capabilities in modem performance, power efficiency and software integration needed for the 6G era.