Apple has committed to using Qualcomm modems in new products until 2022. An extension of the contract may be possible, but a reliable analyst does not think the Cupertino giant needs one.
The iPhone 15 may be the first with a custom Apple 5G modem
In a recent note to investors (via MacRumors), analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that he expects Apple must first use its internal Apple Silicon 5G modem with the 2023 iPhone 15 series.
The timeline fits perfectly with the one provided by two Barclays analysts in March and follows several years of development, which got a boost in 2019 when Apple bought most of Intel’s smartphone modem business.
At the moment, it’s unclear what benefits Apple’s custom 5G modem will bring to the table. But if the company’s other chips are something to go by, customers can expect both improved performance and better energy efficiency.
The move will affect Qualcomm badly, claims Ming-Chi Kuo. The US chipset maker may have to enter brand new markets to compensate for the loss of Apple’s business. Qualcomm may also be forced to compete with MediaTek for additional orders in the low-end and mid-range Android smartphone segment.
