This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Rumors have suggested that Apple is working on developing its own 5G cellular modem, and now reports suggest that the new chip will debut in the 2023 iPhone lineup.
In a supplier-focused research note, Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Thomas O'Malley report that chip makers Qorvo and Broadcom will be among the companies that will benefit from the switch to Apple's in-house solution. Fast Company's Mark Sullivan and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman are among the sources who have reported that Apple is working on its own modem, which will be integrated into future iPhone models. Apple reportedly started developing the modem in 2020 after acquiring the majority of Intel's smartphone modem business a year earlier. acquired Numerous patents were acquired that enrich the project. According to Barclays, the modem will support both the sub-6GHz and mmWave bands of 5G.
iPhone 2023: Will Qualcomm's modem still be used?
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. Apple currently uses modems from Qualcomm, including the Snapdragon X55 modem in the iPhone 12 models. In 2019, a legal settlement between Apple and Qualcomm that Cupertino will likely use the Snapdragon X60 modem in 2021 iPhones, followed by the Snapdragon X65 modem in 2022 iPhones. While the roadmap did hold out the possibility that iPhones in 2023 will use an unannounced Snapdragon X70 modem, this now seems less likely. Whether Barclays will be right in the end remains to be seen, as always. (Photo by listock / Bigstockphoto)
