Intel LTE modems to power AT&T version of Apple's 'iPhone 7' - report
Apple's next-generation handset will be a big win for chipmaker Intel, as the so-called "iPhone 7" series will reportedly ditch Qualcomm LTE modems for certain models, including AT&T in the U.S.
Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg reported on Friday that the AT&T "iPhone 7," along with some other models around the world, will use Intel modems. Presumably Intel's technology will be found in certain GSM models, as the report said the Verizon version, as well as handsets sold in China, will continue to use Qualcomm modems.
Friday's report throws weight behind a recurring rumor claiming that Intel could supply as many as 50 percent of the modems for Apple's next-generation iPhone. Both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are expected to ship in September.
Last year, it was said that Apple sent an engineering team to Intel to help the company optimize its 7360 LTE modem for use in a future iPhone.
And Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopft said earlier this year he believed a major client would turn modem orders over to another firm.
Apple routinely uses multiple suppliers to diversify its supply chain. Doing so affords Apple the ability to meet significant demand for its products, while also achieving lower prices through competing component makers.
End users are unlikely to notice any difference between an Intel modem or one made by Qualcomm. Apple, though, may have work to do to ensure there's no substantial difference in terms of power consumption or network performance.
Citing unnamed sources, Bloomberg reported on Friday that the AT&T "iPhone 7," along with some other models around the world, will use Intel modems. Presumably Intel's technology will be found in certain GSM models, as the report said the Verizon version, as well as handsets sold in China, will continue to use Qualcomm modems.
Friday's report throws weight behind a recurring rumor claiming that Intel could supply as many as 50 percent of the modems for Apple's next-generation iPhone. Both the "iPhone 7" and "iPhone 7 Plus" are expected to ship in September.
Last year, it was said that Apple sent an engineering team to Intel to help the company optimize its 7360 LTE modem for use in a future iPhone.
And Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopft said earlier this year he believed a major client would turn modem orders over to another firm.
Apple routinely uses multiple suppliers to diversify its supply chain. Doing so affords Apple the ability to meet significant demand for its products, while also achieving lower prices through competing component makers.
End users are unlikely to notice any difference between an Intel modem or one made by Qualcomm. Apple, though, may have work to do to ensure there's no substantial difference in terms of power consumption or network performance.
Comments
Where I sit right now, I fluctuate between 2 and 3 bars of AT&T LTE service. Always. This was the case with iPhone 6, and now 6s.
I wonder how that will improve, if at all, with a new Intel LTE modem, which seems to be pegged for specific GSM models.
There may be more to Apple using this combination of AT&T and Intel modem than meets the eye. I would not be surprised if Intel customized their chip with some Apple-specific capabilities. I suspect that AT&T will offer an interface to those Apple-specific modem capabilities that will exploit a new iCloud service offering (for both consumer and enterprise).
I think the main reason that Apple buys from Infineon (ahem Intel) is that Qualcomm chips crap out a lot.
They hope it's different this time, but we, the consumer will find out.
I expect it to be as crap as before and assume Apple will present its own solution in a year or two.
Having either Intel or Qualcomm modem chip might not make much difference in signal improvement. My concern is if Intel modem chip supports only AT&T LTE and GSM bands than iPhone will have another CDMA modem chip inside to support Verizon or there will be two separate model between AT&T(GSM) and Verizon(CDMA) like iphone 4/4s.This sucks because you can't buy unlocked Verizon iphone and use on AT&T or T-mobile like we are able to do now since the introduction of iphone 5S.
Most homes can effectively cover the entire property with 2 routers that are setup correctly. For example, I have my modem on one end of the house where the cable comes in. Immediately next to and connected to that is (1) AirPort Extreme 5gen base station. I think run a LAN out of the AirPort and into the attic, across the length of the house, and down into my home office, which is the full opposite end of the house. In the office, I have another AirPort Extreme 5gen base station, where the LAN now connects to WAN. For the many devices in my office, the AirPort then provides many other LAN connections. The real magic though is in the "Extend over Ethernet" option that two AirPort Extremes can do, when setting up the network. They now act as two separate nodes of the same network. All wireless devices see only the one WiFi network, and they connect to it. As a device moves from one side of the house to the other, it seamlessly transitions to the router with better signal. TL;DR theres a router in my home office, and I get plenty of WiFi signal on the back patio.