Apple's Rumored to Debut First 5G iPhone in 2020 With Intel as Modem Supplier

[MacRumors]

Apple will launch its first 5G iPhone in 2020, according to an unnamed source that spoke to Fast Company.

Apple is said to be planning to use Intel's 8161 modem chip in the 2020 iPhone lineup, with Intel set to be the sole provider of 5G chips for Apple devices. The upcoming 8161 chip will be fabricated using Intel's 10-nanometer process.

Right now, Intel is said to be testing a precursor to the 8161, the 8060, which will be used for prototyping the 5G iPhone.

Fast Company's source says that Apple has "been unhappy" with Intel as of late because of Intel's failure to solve heat dissipation and battery life issues with the 8060 modem chip that's in the works.

Many wireless carriers, including Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., will initially rely on millimeter-wave spectrum (between 30 gigahertz and 300 Ghz) to connect the first 5G phones. But millimeter-wave signal requires some heavy lifting from the modem chips, our source explains. This causes the release of higher-than-normal levels of thermal energy inside the phone-so much so that the heat can be felt on the outside of the phone.

Despite its displeasure with Intel, Apple has not considered reopening conversations with Qualcomm about supplying 5G modems for the 2020 iPhone models. The company has, however, held conversations with modem chip maker MediaTek as a Plan B if Intel can't work out its modem problems over the course of the next year and a half.

With its legal dispute with Qualcomm escalating, Apple has been relying on Intel chips for its devices. The iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR all use Intel modem chips, with Apple having transitioned away from Qualcomm entirely for its flagship iPhone lineup.

Rumors late last year suggested Intel and Apple were already working on 5G chip technology for future iPhone devices. Intel is said to have thousands of people working on 5G tech to catch up with Qualcomm and win Apple's 5G modem contract.

The first 5G smartphones are expected to start debuting early in 2019, with the first to be Android devices using Qualcomm 5G chips. 5G technology is expected to deliver speeds that are 10 to 100 times faster than the average 4G connection, at a gigabit per second or higher, along with lower latency and other benefits.

Article Link: Apple's Rumored to Debut First 5G iPhone in 2020 With Intel as Modem Supplier

 

[HiVolt]

MediaTek? Seriously?

Give up Apple, just pay Qualcomm. You're not hurting for cash.

 

[KPandian1]

"... millimeter-wave signal requires some heavy lifting from the modem chips, our source explains. This causes the release of higher-than-normal levels of thermal energy inside the phone-so much so that the heat can be felt on the outside of the phone".

Only thermal energy - how about radiation?

 

[JPack]

Qualcomm, HiSilicon, Intel, MediaTek

Out of the 4 competitors, Apple is choosing the bottom 2 to buy modems from. Seems like Apple enjoys a challenge.

 

[justperry]

MediaTek? Seriously?

Give up Apple, just pay Qualcomm. You're not hurting for cash.

It's not about money, principles are though.

 

[Appurushido]

I would assume it will be on their new designed iPhone. As with the 6, 7, and 8 models, I believe Apple has moved on to the 3 year design scheme. I would expect next years X/S/MAX design to stay the same or similar for 2019.

My prediction for 2020, notch-less with camera embedded in screen for full front display, 5G, USB-C and possibly a 3rd camera lens on the back to name a few.

 

[seatton]

Hopefully it will be called iPhone 5G. Time to get out of the messy names like iPhone XR, XS and XS Max...

 

[fairuz]

5G is the last great leap in phone features we're going to see in the near future. I expect it'll be like having wifi everywhere, except minus the loss of connection when you change towers. 4G is pretty good but does somewhat limit what can be done away from home.

 

[redheeler]

So no hope of 5G on the 2019 iPhones then. Not sure my iPhone 6s Plus will be able to last me another two years...

 

[fairuz]

Hopefully it will be called iPhone 5G. Time to get out of the messy names like iPhone XR, XS and XS Max...

Seriously, worst names they've made since the 90s. They sound like car names, except R is usually faster than S on cars. Or like the usually tasteless Android phone names.

 

[killawat]

It's not about money, principles are though.

Yeah once Qualcomm tried to block iPhone imports it was pretty much over. Some hotshot lawyer probably thought it was an "ace move" but way too risky and didn't pay off.

 

[mi7chy]

It's not about money, principles are though.

At Apple, profits > principles.

Strange world we live in when a $50 Huawei has Qualcomm radio but a future $1K iPhone might have a Mediatek radio.

 

[^^BIGMac]

I hope whatever Apple decides to do with 5G technology that they test test test so we don’t have another reception mess on our hands.

 

[theSpringZone]

At Apple, profits > principles.

It sure seems they've shifted that way in the past 5 years or so.

 

[BGPL]

5G is the last great leap in phone features we're going to see in the near future. I expect it'll be like having wifi everywhere, except minus the loss of connection when you change towers.

The phone getting the hardware is 1% of the advancement. It will be years before the infrastructure exists to meet the phone's abilities. First the towers, then the actual bandwidth going to the towers would have to be outrageous.

 

[davidg4781]

Hopefully it will be called iPhone 5G. Time to get out of the messy names like iPhone XR, XS and XS Max...

Will it be the XSs?

What’s so great about 5G anyway? My only issue right now is coverage in some areas. When I’m in AT&T’s zone data is fast enough for my needs.

 

[Baymowe335]

MediaTek? Seriously?

Give up Apple, just pay Qualcomm. You're not hurting for cash.

MediaTek is a huge company in Taiwan. It’s not amateur hour.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Say what you will about Qualcomm, but they're still #1 when it comes to modem technology. And to me, it's a loss that Apple doesn't have them in their iPhones anymore. Perfect example of a battle between two big companies where the loser is the consumer.

 

[Glideslope]

"... millimeter-wave signal requires some heavy lifting from the modem chips, our source explains. This causes the release of higher-than-normal levels of thermal energy inside the phone-so much so that the heat can be felt on the outside of the phone".

Only thermal energy - how about radiation?

Yup, won’t catch me with a 5G phone on my ear.

 

[JPack]

It's not about money, principles are though.

Is that why Apple charges $39 for an iPhone silicone case?

Or includes a 5W adapter with a $999 iPhone?

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

"Our fastest iPhone EVER! You can do AMAZING THINGS with 5G!! Prices start at $1699." - Tim Cook at iPhone Dog-and-Pony show.

 

[Dominicanyor]

2020 wow

 

[WannaGoMac]

Werent there rumors that Apple was going to try and build it's own modems?

 

[Gudi]

They sound like car names, except R is usually faster than S on cars.

What do you mean, except? With just 1.5 versus 2.7 megapixels and the same engine the iPhone XRacing is a lot faster than the iPhone XSport.

 

[KPandian1]

Yup, won’t catch me with a 5G phone on my ear.

I am more worried about carrying it near my gonads, as most of us have done for years. Add the heat factor now, that is very uncomfortable, at the least.