AT&T & T-Mobile versions of iPhone 7 likely using Intel modem incompatible with Sprint & Verizon
The iPhone 7 models Apple is selling for AT&T and T-Mobile customers don't support Sprint and Verizon, likely because some of them use an Intel modem that doesn't work with CDMA networks, a report noted on Friday.
Apple is probably trying to diversify its modem suppliers, resulting in the fractured model lineup, sources told Recode. By using multiple suppliers for a part, Apple can hold the upper hand in price negotiations and keep up its profits.
While Sprint and Verizon iPhones are thought to be using a Qualcomm modem capable of both GSM and CDMA connections, the AT&T and T-Mobile production run(s) may have a mix of Intel and Qualcomm chips, Recode suggested. To date, Qualcomm has been Apple's exclusive modem supplier.
Intel has been rumored as joining the iPhone supply chain in this manner for a while. The company's ambitions are thought to be even bigger though, such that it could start building A-series processors for Apple in 2018.
For customers the modem change is a step backwards. Americans buying the iPhone 6s, for example, are able to unlock the device and use it on any carrier in the country. There may be drawbacks for Apple as well, given the fact that it has to tailor its production, distribution, and inventory even more carefully than usual.
Apple is probably trying to diversify its modem suppliers, resulting in the fractured model lineup, sources told Recode. By using multiple suppliers for a part, Apple can hold the upper hand in price negotiations and keep up its profits.
While Sprint and Verizon iPhones are thought to be using a Qualcomm modem capable of both GSM and CDMA connections, the AT&T and T-Mobile production run(s) may have a mix of Intel and Qualcomm chips, Recode suggested. To date, Qualcomm has been Apple's exclusive modem supplier.
Intel has been rumored as joining the iPhone supply chain in this manner for a while. The company's ambitions are thought to be even bigger though, such that it could start building A-series processors for Apple in 2018.
For customers the modem change is a step backwards. Americans buying the iPhone 6s, for example, are able to unlock the device and use it on any carrier in the country. There may be drawbacks for Apple as well, given the fact that it has to tailor its production, distribution, and inventory even more carefully than usual.
Comments
That implies that an unlocked Verizon phone will have both GSM and CDMA, but an unlocked AT&T phone may have only GSM and no CDMA....
Additional info from Apple:
Model A1784*
Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.
Model A1660*
Model A1661*
Support all networks!
Apple shouldn't have done this. Both versions of the phone cost customers the same price. But those with Intel modems limit a customer's future choices, and their phones have less resale value. Apple should have insisted any alternate modem chip be comparable to the Qualcomm one.
Another factor that led me to cancel is when I saw SE model at Apple store while shopping, I realized how much I love the small factor size and decided that I'll just rather wait until the next generation of SE comes out. I no longer think iPhone 7 is a compelling upgrade for me.
http://www.macrumors.com/2016/09/06/tmobile-4x4-mimo-faster-lte-speeds/
edit darn looks like the Qualcomm one will but not the intel:
Qualcomm's X12 modem, an appropriate candidate for iPhone 7, supports 4x4 MIMO, so it is possible that some models could benefit from the technology. However, Apple is expected to use Intel's XMM 7360 LTE modem for a portion of iPhone 7 models, including AT&T models, and 4x4 MIMO is not an advertised feature of that chipset. iPhone 6s and older models do not support 4x4 MIMO.
Model A1661*
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900, 2100 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Model A1778*
Model A1784*
*Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.
TD-LTE (Bands 38, 39, 40, 41)
UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology
NFC
From:
http://www.apple.com/iphone-7/specs/
http://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/#iphone-7-iphone-7-plus
They'll care when the iPhone 8 comes out and they want to sell their 7; both they and their buyers will need to know what model it is and what it's compatible with.
please tell me that I'm dreaming.
i also wonder how many others around the world are using the CDMA standard.