iPhone 12 Demand Helps Boost Qualcomm's 5G Modem Revenue, But Apple Working on Own 'High-End' Modem

[Rafagon]

When you're on 5G, is there any way to tell whether you're using sub-6GHz or mmWave?

I've seen this Apple support page which mentions that your status bar can show 5G+ or 5G UW, but I've never seen it on my status bar, and I don't know if it refers to being on sub-6GHz versus mmWave:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211828.

 

[laptech]

Apple will not be able to build a 5G modem that is capable of rivalling Qualcomm because Qualcomm hold all the important patents that make 5G modem technology so good. So unless Apple has some licensing going on with Qualcomm, Apple's attempt at making their own 5G modem will fail. Intel tried and failed. Intel have their own 5G modem patents but there not as good as Qualcomms.

 

[JPack]

When you're on 5G, is there any way to tell whether you're using sub-6GHz or mmWave?

I've seen this Apple support page which mentions that your status bar can show 5G+ or 5G UW, but I've never seen it on my status bar, and I don't know if it refers to being on sub-6GHz versus mmWave:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211828.

Sub-6 maxes out at about 1.2Gbps. If your speed test exceeds that then it’s on mmWave (5G UW).

 

[I7guy]

Apple will not be able to build a 5G modem that is capable of rivalling Qualcomm because Qualcomm hold all the important patents that make 5G modem technology so good. So unless Apple has some licensing going on with Qualcomm, Apple's attempt at making their own 5G modem will fail. Intel tried and failed. Intel have their own 5G modem patents but there not as good as Qualcomms.

Maybe there is some cross licensing going on. Wouldn’t surprise me.

 

[SergZzz]

The major point is “We do not believe they are [working] on any RF components beyond the mmWave."🤔 Which means Apple modem offering will be completely different / unique, then what is in traditional phones 📲 today!

 

[Rafagon]

Sub-6 maxes out at about 1.2Gbps. If your speed test exceeds that then it’s on mmWave (5G UW).

My 5G is consistently slower than my LTE here near downtown Miami, FL.

Thanks for nothing, T-Mobile.

 

[PickUrPoison]

Maybe there is some cross licensing going on. Wouldn’t surprise me.

Not just cross licensing, but Apple executed a six-year license of (presumably all of) Qualcomm’s IP last year, along with the chipset supply agreement, as part of the settlement agreement that ended all litigation between the parties worldwide.

Qualcomm has only a portion of the standards-essential patents—other major IP holders include Nokia, Ericsson and Huawei—but they do have the most valuable afaik. Apple’s 5G patents, which mostly come from the Intel deal, will save them money through cross licensing with those other 5G patent holders.

 

[jz0309]

Apple will not be able to build a 5G modem that is capable of rivalling Qualcomm because Qualcomm hold all the important patents that make 5G modem technology so good. So unless Apple has some licensing going on with Qualcomm, Apple's attempt at making their own 5G modem will fail. Intel tried and failed. Intel have their own 5G modem patents but there not as good as Qualcomms.

Maybe, maybe not... Intel had a 5G modem but it didn’t meet apple’s requirements...
And who says that Apple is going to design a standalone modem? What if they are designing the 2nd or 3rd gen M1 with an integrated modem based on Qualcomm technology? They both use TSMC 5nm ... who knows?

 

[laptech]

Maybe, maybe not... Intel had a 5G modem but it didn’t meet apple’s requirements...
And who says that Apple is going to design a standalone modem? What if they are designing the 2nd or 3rd gen M1 with an integrated modem based on Qualcomm technology? They both use TSMC 5nm ... who knows?

The Intel chip could not match Apples performance specifications which are based on Qualcomms 5G chip performance. Apple is not going to fit an inferior chip into their products and Intel's chip was proving to be inferior to Qualcomms. Mobile phone manufacturers are using Qualcomms 5G modem chip because they know just how good it is. So unless Apple is going to be able to license some of Qualcomms 5G modem patents into their own chip, Apple will not succeed. Yes I have no doubt Apple will be able to design and build a 5G modem chip but will it out perform Qualcomms? No.

 

[dumiku]

I see what Apple is doing 😏😂🤣