Would it be bold to say the R1 in VisionPro is the modem chip just running different software? Just connect different sensors and bingo it is a Celluar modem. As both the Rx and Mx's shrink over time they'll just merge them to one chip.
The R1 definitely has more functions than just keeping track/and controlling the cameras, initially I don’t think the modem will be included but in time I think some type of modem will be used in the Apple Vision Pro and I don’t think it’ll be one from Qualcomm.
More the fact the R1 is a real-time processor and OS taking large streams of data and pulling signals from the noise. Should make it better at cellular that Apples traditional SOCs
It all boils down to design choices.
In some cases it might make sense to have R1 capability on the So. In others, it might not.
There are lots of R1 type processors on the market. The same applies to real time operating systems.
These processors are ultra specialised to carry out specific tasks and often operate in specific environments.
The complete opposite of what a common smartphone SoC might be (which can be considered general purpose).
It makes sense to have a modem on a SoC but then other factors come into play like how much space they might take up and the added cost.
If Apple hasn't produced a modem by now, I would have imagined they have run into significant difficulties. Even with the head start of not building one from scratch (having bought Intel patents, designs, employees and general knowhow plus work that was already in progress).
There is a world of difference between what the R1 is required to do and what a 5G modem is tasked to do.
Interoperability and certification are massive hurdles. Accommodating new standards is another. Then there are a wealth of external factors to take into account (hand off to cell towers etc). The antenna designs.
In that sense, the R1 lives in a little private bubble. A world apart from all the problems faced in the 'outside' world.
Take a fully automous car for example that is fully dependant on its ability to process sensor data in realtime. You need a failsafe system in the design to cover potentially life-threatening situations. The Vision Pro has no such considerations as the user will probably be sitting down comfortably on the sofa. The R1 is free to do it's thing and designers only really had to cater to the user experience. That makes things far 'easier' (in spite of other consideration of complexity like power consumption, heat, operating parameters etc).
As SoCs become evermore complex, we are now seeing more interest in chiplet designs which can bring their own issues.
If China can produce it's own 5G modem than why not Apple ?
I don't think production is the issue. Rather creating a modem that doesn't violate Qualcomm's patents so that Apple isn't then making their own patens and still still paying Qualcomm for the technology.
Agreed - Qualcomm has a huge lead on both development and patents making it incredibly difficult for anyone else to break in. Yes, supposedly there are FRAND laws but even *if* QC abided by the spirit of these laws it means any company using them would be at a financial disadvantage from all the licensing costs.
Comments
In some cases it might make sense to have R1 capability on the So. In others, it might not.
There are lots of R1 type processors on the market. The same applies to real time operating systems.
These processors are ultra specialised to carry out specific tasks and often operate in specific environments.
The complete opposite of what a common smartphone SoC might be (which can be considered general purpose).
It makes sense to have a modem on a SoC but then other factors come into play like how much space they might take up and the added cost.
If Apple hasn't produced a modem by now, I would have imagined they have run into significant difficulties. Even with the head start of not building one from scratch (having bought Intel patents, designs, employees and general knowhow plus work that was already in progress).
There is a world of difference between what the R1 is required to do and what a 5G modem is tasked to do.
Interoperability and certification are massive hurdles. Accommodating new standards is another. Then there are a wealth of external factors to take into account (hand off to cell towers etc). The antenna designs.
In that sense, the R1 lives in a little private bubble. A world apart from all the problems faced in the 'outside' world.
Take a fully automous car for example that is fully dependant on its ability to process sensor data in realtime. You need a failsafe system in the design to cover potentially life-threatening situations. The Vision Pro has no such considerations as the user will probably be sitting down comfortably on the sofa. The R1 is free to do it's thing and designers only really had to cater to the user experience. That makes things far 'easier' (in spite of other consideration of complexity like power consumption, heat, operating parameters etc).
As SoCs become evermore complex, we are now seeing more interest in chiplet designs which can bring their own issues.