Apple was expected to use an Intel modem in next year’s iPhone 12 handsets after the company acquired their modem business. However, it now looks like Apple will be using Qualcomm modems instead.
The new 2020 iPhone 12 handsets will be Apple’s first 5G smartphones, and there are expected to be three handsets in the range, similar to this year’s devices.
Qualcomm’s Advanced 5G Modem
The news comes in a report from the Nikkei Asia Review, which states that Apple will be incorporating 5G technology in all of next year’s new iPhone 12 devices. This is a significant shift as Apple aims to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving smartphone market.
All three of the new iPhones will carry the most advanced 5G modem chip, known as X55, which is designed by U.S. mobile chip developer Qualcomm, four people familiar with the plan told Nikkei. The chip, which enables much faster downloads, faces such an increase in demand that there could be supply constraints, one person added.
The Qualcomm X55 modem is a second-generation 5G chip that offers several improvements over its predecessor, the X50. It supports both mmWave and sub-6GHz spectrum bands, which means it can deliver faster speeds and better coverage. This modem is also more power-efficient, which could lead to better battery life for the new iPhones.
Implications for Apple’s 5G Strategy
Apple’s decision to use Qualcomm’s modem is particularly noteworthy given the legal battles the two companies have had in the past. However, the settlement reached in April 2019 appears to have paved the way for this collaboration. This move is crucial for Apple as it aims to compete with other smartphone manufacturers like Samsung and Huawei, who have already launched 5G-capable devices.
The inclusion of 5G technology in the iPhone 12 is expected to drive significant consumer interest. Faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved overall network performance are some of the benefits that 5G technology promises. This could be particularly appealing for users who rely on their smartphones for streaming, gaming, and other data-intensive activities.
Apple only recently launched their new iPhone 11 handsets, and we are not expecting to see its replacement until September 2020. However, the anticipation for the iPhone 12 is already building, especially with the promise of 5G capabilities.
In addition to the modem, the iPhone 12 is rumored to feature other significant upgrades. These may include a new design, improved cameras, and possibly even a 120Hz ProMotion display. All these features combined could make the iPhone 12 one of the most compelling smartphone releases of 2020.
The shift to 5G is not just a technological upgrade but also a strategic move for Apple. As more regions around the world roll out 5G networks, having a 5G-capable iPhone will be essential for maintaining and growing Apple’s market share. This is particularly important in markets like China, where 5G adoption is expected to be rapid.
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