Apple has posted a job listing for a 6G Cellular Modem Systems Engineer in San Diego, a role focused on the next generation of wireless technology. The opening, posted on 19 October, was first reported by MacRumors.
The position pays $175,000 to $308,500 a year plus stock awards and other benefits, according to the listing. The engineer would help decide what Apple’s future cellular modems need to deliver, develop algorithms that keep them fast and power-efficient, and coordinate across hardware and software teams. Apple wants a degree in electrical or computer engineering or a related discipline, at least ten years in the industry, a grasp of cellular standards, and working knowledge of MATLAB, C/C++ or Python. Experience with generative AI and LLM-based tools is listed as a minimum requirement, and published research or wireless patents would help a candidate stand out.
“This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of wireless communication at a company that ships at global scale as we transition towards 6G,” Apple says in the listing.
Apple’s interest in 6G dates back to at least 2020, MacRumors notes, and the company already handles its own cellular modem design. Apple also helped found the Next G Alliance, an industry group devoted to future wireless standards. Formal 6G performance requirements are yet to be agreed, with approval expected later in 2026. The International Telecommunication Union has suggested 6G might reach 200 Gbps and cut latency to 0.1 milliseconds, compared with a theoretical peak of 20 Gbps for 5G, 9to5Mac reports. The first formal specifications should be complete in late 2028, and commercial networks and devices are expected around 2030. AI is expected to have a bigger presence in 6G networks, and Apple is among the companies researching the technology, along with Qualcomm, Nokia, Samsung and Ericsson.