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It is now an open secret that Apple intends to build its own mobile phone modem. Yesterday, the company announced the takeover of Intel's smartphone modem division announced – now there are first rumors about future 5G modems from Cupertino.
The purchase of Intel's modem business was of course not intended to be fun, but to further strengthen Apple's ambitions to develop its own mobile phone chip. With around 17,000 new patents and 2,200 more employees, the goal should be achieved by 2021 - according to a new report. Reuters cites sources familiar with the matter. According to this, Apple should be able to deliver its own 5G modems as early as 2021. The upcoming iPhone 2019 generation will once again have 4G Intel modems - this should change in 2020. According to rumors, Apple is planning to use 5G chips from Qualcomm.
Tied to Qualcomm
According to Reuters, however, Apple wants to reduce its purchases from 2021 and already incorporate its own solution. Before the latest acquisition, observers assumed that Apple would not introduce its own modem before 2025. Unfortunately, the report does not say in which devices Apple specifically wants to install its first own modem chip. It is currently assumed that Apple will probably use the chip in the cheaper devices and use Qualcomm's solution in the high-end models. Since Apple is bound to Qualcomm with a six-year contract, Cupertino still has enough time to further develop and optimize its own chip - so that it can eventually take over the complete supply. Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) on offer – only for a limited time
