Update: Apple has released an official statement confirming the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Apple iPhone 11 series is just months away from launch. Although we don’t expect the brand to jump the 5G bandwagon yet, we could witness iPhone 12 to 5G equipped. A recent settlement with Qualcomm and now the talks of acquisition of Intel’s modem business reinforces their 5G prospects.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Apple is set to acquire Intel’s abandoned modem division for $1billion. In the past, Apple has used both Intel and Qualcomm mobile modems in its devices. But with 5G development picking up steam, Apple wouldn’t want to miss the train.
2018 iPhones viz. iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR were bearing Intel modems within. Then in April 2019, news came that Apple and Qualcomm have settled their long-drawn disputes. The media started asking: “will they, won’t they” use Qualcomm modems now as Qualcomm is better prepared to offer 5G modems than Intel. Industrial experts anticipate a 5G iPhone in 2020 using Qualcomm 5G modem.
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The tech town expects Apple to come up with its own indigenous 5G-ready bionic chipset by 2025 only. That’s distant from now. And in the process, the Cupertino-based company might choose to vet the acquired Intel resources.
Apple also brought in Intel’s lead 5G modem developer, Umashankar Thyagarajan, yet another blow to Intel’s modem business. Intel has announced its resignation from 5G smartphone modem works to focus on 5G network infrastructure and IoT sect.
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Well, as far as speculations go, Apple is in no rush and hence we won’t see 5G technology in iPhone 11 and bros. Keeping that aside, the eleventh edition iPhones have still a lot going for them. They will launch in September wielding a new A13 chipset, and triple camera setup in a square panel.
