A candidate for the iPhone 2022? Qualcomm has developed the Snapdragon X65, the world's first 10-gigabit 5G modem and antenna system for smartphones presented, which enables theoretical data speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.
While real-world download speeds will likely remain well below the peak 10 gigabits per second, devices equipped with the Snapdragon X65 should experience faster 5G speeds overall. The modem also has many other benefits, including improved power efficiency, improved coverage for both mmWave and sub-6GHz bands, and support for all globally commercialized mmWave frequencies, including the new n259 (41GHz) band. Like the previous-generation Snapdragon X60, the X65 can aggregate data from the mmWave and sub-6GHz bands simultaneously to achieve an optimal combination of high-speed and low-latency coverage.
The difference between Sub-6 GHz and mmWave
The modem is paired with Qualcomm's new fourth-generation mmWave antenna module to achieve extended mmWave coverage and power efficiency. As a reminder, there are two main 5G standards known as Sub-6HGz and mmWave 5G. Sub-6 GHz is slower than mmWave 5G technology, but it has a longer range - suitable for rural areas. Since mmWave is faster but has a shorter range, this technology is more intended for large cities or urban areas. mmWave support in the iPhone 12 models is known to be limited to the United States. However, there are rumors that the 2021 iPhone could support mmWave in more countries.
iPhone 2022: Snapdragon X65 could be last Qualcomm modem in an iPhone
In 2019, Apple and Qualcomm settled a legal dispute and reached a multi-year chipset supply agreement that paves the way for Apple to use Qualcomm's 5G modems, starting with the Snapdragon X55 in the iPhone 12 models. In addition, a court document from the settlement revealed that Apple will likely use the Snapdragon X60 modem for 2021 iPhones, followed by the Snapdragon X65 in 2022 iPhones. But 2023 could be different. Apple is reportedly working on in-house modems. Both Barclays analysts and other sources have already claimed that 2023 could see the first Apple modem. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the Snapdragon X65 will be the last Qualcomm modem in an iPhone. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)
