01.15.2024
Qualcomm's latest cellular modem may be limited to the iPhone 16 Pro models this year, according to technology analyst Jeff Pu. In a research note today with investment firm Haitong
In a research note today with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu reiterated his belief that the iPhone 16 Pro models will be equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem. However, he expects the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to retain the Snapdragon X70 modem found in all iPhone 15 models. This modem differentiation between the standard and Pro models would be a change in strategy for Apple.
Announced in February 2023, the Snapdragon X75 features improved carrier aggregation and other technology advancements for faster 5G download and upload speeds compared to the X70. The modem's combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver takes up 25% less circuit board space, and uses up to 20% less power, according to The Verge.
The Snapdragon X75 also supports the latest "5G Advanced" standard, which is described as "the next phase of 5G" and an "evolution towards 6G." 5G Advanced will include artificial intelligence and machine learning enhancements for improved 5G performance, and it will also expand 5G to additional device types and use cases.
Apple is likely to advertise 5G Advanced support on the iPhone 16 Pro models, like it did with LTE Advanced on the iPhone 6s in 2015.
Apple is rumored to have been working on its own 5G modem for iPhones since 2018, but the project has reportedly faced development challenges, and the modem is not expected to be announced until 2025 or later should it ever materialize. In the meantime, Apple extended its 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm through 2026.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 16 lineup in September.
Related Roundups: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro
This article, "iPhone 16: Qualcomm's Latest 5G Modem May Be Limited to Pro Models" first appeared on MacRumors.com
Discuss this article in our forums
You may also be interested in this
Qualcomm axes its Apple E…
11.13.2023
The intuitive interface guides the user where to point their iPhone to connect to a satellite. With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro, you can
Qualcomm Enlists ‘I…
06.03.2024
Justin Long, the face of Apple's iconic "I'm a Mac" commercials, now stars in a short Qualcomm skit promoting Snapdragon-powered PCs. At the Computex 2024 keynote, Qualcomm unveiled the new
iPhone 16 Pro Expected to…
10.12.2023
Apple's next-generation iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with Qualcomm's latest cellular modem, according to technology analyst Jeff Pu, enabling faster and more power efficient
Apple’s in-house 5G iPhon…
11.17.2023
Apple is struggling to build its own 5G modem for iPhones, with the company now reportedly set to miss its spring 2025 release timeline. (via Cult of Mac - Tech
Apple Extends Modem Licen…
02.01.2024
Apple has extended its modem chip licensing agreement with Qualcomm through March 2027, Qualcomm said today during its first earnings call of 2024. Apple's existing agreement has now been extended
iPhone 15 latest: What th…
06.05.2023
Macworld Every year, Apple introduces a new iPhone line, and its introduction is the most important event in the Apple calendar. As much as Mac sales are growing and Apple’s
Qualcomm adopts Arm’s v9 …
10.01.2025
Qualcomm has adopted the latest Arm Holdings computing architecture (v9) for its flagship chips, incorporating features to enhance AI performance, according to Reuters. Reuters: The decision at least partially
Apple touts multibillion-…
05.23.2023
Illustration: The Verge Apple has signed on to a multiyear, multibillion-dollar agreement with Broadcom, a chipmaker based in the US. The company announced the news on Tuesday, saying it will
