According to Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon, Apple is planning to develop its own modem chipsets for iPhone and could launch them in their upcoming iPhone 16 models.
This move by Apple has gathered a lot of attention in the tech world as it will not only enhance performance but also reduce dependency on outside suppliers like Qualcomm. Although there is no confirmation yet, it is speculated that this move could pave the way for the development of 5G technology. With 5G, users will be able to experience ultra-fast speeds and high-quality video streaming.
New Modem For The iPhone 16
Apple is working on a new modem for the iPhone 16, Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf said in an interview with CNBC. The current iPhone has a Qualcomm modem. “We’re obviously working with them and supplying them,” Mollenkopf said of Apple. “I think you can expect that they’ll be on the next generation as well.”
He declined to elaborate on timing or whether Apple would use Qualcomm’s latest modem, the X16, in its next phone. The X16 is currently used in some Android phones, including Samsung’s Galaxy S8.
Mollenkopf’s comments suggest that Apple is not ready to give up on its own modem development efforts, despite its recent settlement with Qualcomm. The settlement included a six-year licensing agreement and a one-time payment from Apple to Qualcomm.
Background
Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf said on Thursday that Apple is working on a modem for future iPhones, according to a report from CNET. The news comes as Qualcomm and Apple are locked in a legal battle over the use of Qualcomm’s modem technology in the iPhone.
Mollenkopf made the comments during Qualcomm’s annual analyst day. When asked about the possibility of Apple designing its own modem, Mollenkopf said that while he couldn’t comment on Apple specifically, “it’s certainly not our intention” to lose customers.
He went on to say that he believes there is “room for us to continue to play a role” in supplying modems for future iPhones. This is despite the fact that Apple has already started using Intel modems in some versions of the iPhone 7.
Qualcomm’s legal battle with Apple centers on allegations that Qualcomm has been charging unfair royalties for its patents. Apple has also accused Qualcomm of antitrust violations. The two companies are set to go to trial later this year.
Faster
Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf says that the company’s new modem, which is expected to be used in Apple’s iPhone, will be faster than previous versions.
The modem will reportedly be able to reach speeds of up to 1Gbps. “We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Apple on their next-generation iPhone,” Mollenkopf said. “Our new modem will allow iPhone users to experience faster data speeds than ever before.”
Compatible With 5G Networks
The new modem will be compatible with 5G networks and offer download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. The modem is expected to be available in the iPhone 8 and will be compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks.
Apple is currently in negotiations with Qualcomm over the use of its modem technology in the iPhone. The two companies are currently embroiled in a legal battle that is set to go to trial later this year.
Conclusion
Qualcomm CEO, Cristiano Amon’s announcement that Apple is expected to include a modem in the iPhone 16 could have far-reaching implications for the tech industry. Not only does it mean that Apple has become more open to using external modems from other companies, but it also shows its commitment to providing customers with devices with up-to-date technology. With this move, we can expect even better performance and features from future iPhones.
Furthermore, the new modem will be compatible with 5G networks, meaning that users will have access to faster speeds and smoother streaming. However, until Apple and Qualcomm settle their legal dispute, it is unclear whether the new modem will be based on Qualcomm’s X16 tech or Apple’s own.