It seems unbelievable that Apple can “stifle” something a priori simple for them, like being able to develop their own chip in charge of the 5G data transmission. After abandoning its initial plan to create its own 5G chip, Apple bought the Intel division of said modem in 2019 to finally be able to design and manufacture its own 5G chip with a full guarantee, based on technology from the North American processor manufacturer.
Well, three years later, with this division already absorbed, Apple still hasn’t been able to manufacture a 5G modem to be able to mount it on its devices, and therefore not depend on Qualcomm. Not even with the Intel technology you have after your purchase. Kuo has just disclosed that next year’s iPhones will still mount a Qualcomm modem. Wow fabric.
Ming Chi Kuo just posted on your account Twitter, that those in Cupertino are still unable to manufacture a 5G modem for their devices. He assures that next year’s iPhone, the design of which is in the works, will continue to mount a Qualcomm 5G modem. This was not the plan envisaged by Apple, admittedly.
Apple has tried for many years not to rely solely and exclusively on Qualcomm for something as essential as a 5G modem. And still can’t get it. Almost five years ago, those of Cupertino were already trying to project their own 5G chip. But they had problems overheatedand they haven’t found a solution.
Intel’s 5G Division
So, as Apple usually does, it sought out an outside company that already had more advanced technology and bought it. A priori, it was a safe bet, since it bought in 2019 the 5G data transmission division of Intelworth 1,000 million dollars, so that it can finally manufacture its own 5G modem.
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[Company Update] Qualcomm (QCOM.O)My latest investigation indicates that Apple’s iPhone 5G modem chip development may have failed, so Qualcomm will remain the exclusive supplier of 5G chips for new iPhones in 2H23, with a 100% supply share ( compared to the company’s previous estimate of 20%.
—Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) June 28, 2022
But incomprehensibly, those 2,200 Intel employees who became the staff of Apple, was unable to design and manufacture a 5G modem to the liking of its new owner, three years later. According to Kuo, the iPhone 15 will continue to mount a Qualcomm 5G chip, since Apple’s is not yet ready. Unbelievable.
So for now, despite Tim Cook and his team, the next iPhone 14 and the iPhone 15 next year (again in the words of Kuo) they will continue to mount a 5G modem chip from the company Qualcomm. We will see if those of Cupertino will finally be able to release their modem on Apple devices from… 2024!
