14 DAY TRIAL // We already know that Apple wants to launch an iPhone with its very own modem, all in an attempt to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, and according to a new analyst note, this is projected to happen as soon as 2023.
Barclays analysts Blayne Curtis and Thomas O'Malley explained that Qorvo and Broadcom are the big winners of this move, as their technology could be used for Apple’s own 5G modem to eventually launch on the iPhone in approximately two years.
Next iPhones coming in the fall
For the time being, however, Apple is sticking with modems built by Qualcomm as part of a settlement announced in 2019. The iPhone 12 is currently equipped with the Snapdragon X55 modem, while the new models going live this year are expected to use the Snapdragon X60.
If the same collaboration is maintained for the 2022 lineup of iPhones, the upcoming devices could come with the Snapdragon X65 before Apple eventually gives up on Qualcomm chips and goes for its very own in-house solution.
The next iPhones coming in the fall will bet all-in on 5G, just like the current generation, with Apple itself praising the performance of its smartphones in the announcement last fall.
“Featuring the most 5G bands on any smartphone, iPhone 12 Pro models offer the broadest 5G coverage worldwide. Models in the US support millimeter wave, the higher frequency version of 5G, allowing iPhone 12 Pro models to reach speeds up to 4Gbps, even in densely populated areas. iPhone 12 Pro models also feature Smart Data mode, which extends battery life by intelligently assessing 5G needs and balancing data usage, speed, and power in real time,” Apple said.
The upcoming iPhone 13 models are projected to be announced according to the standard Apple schedule in September, with sales to start later the same month.