Apple chip engineering team shift suggests strong 5G modem push
Apple is restructuring some of its internal hardware teams, with the move to directly under the head of hardware suggesting a strong 5G modem push.
Intel's modem, with a penny for scale
Apple has been exploring the possibility of creating its own modems for some time, but until now it has relied on third-party suppliers such as Qualcomm and Intel to provide the modems used in the iPhone, iPad, and other devices. The relocation of the modem group strongly suggests the move to modems of its own design may happen soon.
According to two sources of Reuters familiar with the move, Apple has tasked senior vice president of hardware technologies Johny Srouji with overseeing the modem design since January.
Srouji has previously worked on a number of major projects for Apple, including the design of the custom A-series chips used by Apple in the iPhone and iPad, as well as the Apple TV, and in the development of the W-series Bluetooth chips used in the AirPods and other accessories.
Modem development is said to have previously been led by Ruben Caballero under iPhone, iPad, and Mac engineering lead Dan Ricco.
Apple has seemingly been gearing up to create its own cellular modem for some time, with job listings in November and December looking for engineers for work on wireless chips. Listings included one role seeking a cellular systems architect in San Diego, which is rumored to be where Apple is planning to build its new chip.
November reports pointed to the possibility of Apple using Intel's 5G-capable modem for a 2020 iPhone release, enabling it to work with next-generation cellular networks. Later reports in December echoed similar sentiments regarding 5G, noting that it would be continuing to work with existing 3G and 4G technologies for the moment.
It is plausible that the delay, which could put the iPhone a year behind the rest of the market in adopting 5G, could be caused by the company's desire to create its own modem.
Apple does have numerous incentives to produce its own modems, including avoiding lawsuits similar to its ongoing legal trouble with Qualcomm. Bringing technology design in-house can also help provide benefits in making components specifically for Apple's own requirements instead of using an off-the-shelf component, similar to how it brought its iPhone power management system design internal last year.
Intel's modem, with a penny for scale
Apple has been exploring the possibility of creating its own modems for some time, but until now it has relied on third-party suppliers such as Qualcomm and Intel to provide the modems used in the iPhone, iPad, and other devices. The relocation of the modem group strongly suggests the move to modems of its own design may happen soon.
According to two sources of Reuters familiar with the move, Apple has tasked senior vice president of hardware technologies Johny Srouji with overseeing the modem design since January.
Srouji has previously worked on a number of major projects for Apple, including the design of the custom A-series chips used by Apple in the iPhone and iPad, as well as the Apple TV, and in the development of the W-series Bluetooth chips used in the AirPods and other accessories.
Modem development is said to have previously been led by Ruben Caballero under iPhone, iPad, and Mac engineering lead Dan Ricco.
Apple has seemingly been gearing up to create its own cellular modem for some time, with job listings in November and December looking for engineers for work on wireless chips. Listings included one role seeking a cellular systems architect in San Diego, which is rumored to be where Apple is planning to build its new chip.
November reports pointed to the possibility of Apple using Intel's 5G-capable modem for a 2020 iPhone release, enabling it to work with next-generation cellular networks. Later reports in December echoed similar sentiments regarding 5G, noting that it would be continuing to work with existing 3G and 4G technologies for the moment.
It is plausible that the delay, which could put the iPhone a year behind the rest of the market in adopting 5G, could be caused by the company's desire to create its own modem.
Apple does have numerous incentives to produce its own modems, including avoiding lawsuits similar to its ongoing legal trouble with Qualcomm. Bringing technology design in-house can also help provide benefits in making components specifically for Apple's own requirements instead of using an off-the-shelf component, similar to how it brought its iPhone power management system design internal last year.
Comments
Qualcomm is no longer a reliable business partner
Intel is no longer a reliable technical partner.
"If you want something done right, do it yourself"
This will help Apple to combine CPU/GPU/modem/BT/WiFi/etc all on one SoC thus increasing performance and lowering power consumption increasing battery life
Steve Jobs Mantra: "Focus on delighting customers and both sales and profits will take care of themselves."
Qualcomm's Mantra: "Screw over customers and then screw them over again."
Either way I think it makes sense to bring the design in house.
Personally, I think this is going to be along term project at Apple. It wouldn’t surprise me if Apple's 5 years away...
I can see many potential pitfalls, though - not the least of which involve patent and intellectual property issues. It's a pretty safe bet that Qualcomm would provide the lawyers with plenty of suits, whether they were justified or not. Intel has clearly had to work hard to get chips approaching the same performance that QC has, so the engineering and design issues can't be trivial, and if they do use their own chip and end up with issues it has the potential to backfire. Still, given all the grief they're having to deal with with QC the potential benefits may make it worth it.
Also, they can certainly work on a chip and still source Intell/QC/??? modems until it's ready, so they're only out the money. How much could it cost?
They are VERY late to the game, so even 2022 is assuming they go full throttle. It will also make sense in 2022, because no one will be using any 3G CDMA Network by then.
Samsung is licking their chops and gearing up production. People buy Apple because they are the best. But, for most, its not a loyalty thing.
Dang, I'm tired of your trolling. I'm adding you to my block list.