Apple’s iPhone 7 Could Benefit from Intel’s Next-Generation, Blazing-Fast LTE Modems

Earlier this year we reported that Apple’s ‘iPhone 7’ could potentially be capable of reaching super-fast LTE speeds — thanks almost entirely to the company’s reported switch to Intel’s next-generation Cat.10 LTE-capable modems. And now, as the imminent unveiling of Apple’s 9th generation draws closer and closer, we’re starting to learn a bit more about how Cupertino’s apparent shuffling of suppliers will impact the forthcoming device, as well as those lucky suppliers.

Just for the record, Qualcomm — the San Diego-based ‘Snapdragon’ manufacturer — has for long been the primary supplier of modems for Apple’s mobile devices. However, according to well-seasoned Apple analyst, Timothy Arcuri, of financial research firm Cowen and Company, Intel will supposedly be supplying upwards of 50% (or more) of the LTE modems for Apple’s upcoming ‘iPhone 7’.

What’s more, this apparent manufacturer diversification on Apple’s end could result in a revenue boost of up to $1.5 billion for Intel, according to Arcuri’s official research note to investors — a copy of which was originally obtained by AppleInsider.

Arcuri noted that, despite the initial estimates, recent field analysis indicate that Intel could ultimately provide anywhere between 100 and 110 million of its all-new, next generation 7360 LTE modems over the course of the next year.

Apple’s apparent withdrawal from 100% reliance on Qualcomm, Arcuri noted, could merely be a move to diversify its vast supply chain. However, also worth noting is the fact that — as we reported late last year — Apple has recently hired on upwards of 1,000 Intel employees in an effort to streamline its adoption of the Santa Clara, California-based chip manufacturers next-generation LTE chips.

Of course, Apple’s transition to Intel modems could ultimately turn out to be bad news for Qualcomm — the Southern California-based chip manufacturer, who Apple has relied on almost entirely for iPhone modems from the get-go.

And, what’s more, it could be especially bad news if, as Arcuri suggested, Intel somehow manages to leverage this deal in order to — perhaps one day down the road — collaborate with Apple in an effort to merge the latter’s A-series silicon with its own baseband chips. Yes, it is possible to merge components like these, believe it or not — and, to the benefit of both entities, by configuring Intel’s LTE modems into Apple’s existing A-series SoC, the companies will not only be able to save valuable space within the iPhone, itself, but also achieve a higher efficiency of performance while lowering the costs of manufacturing independent components, respectively.

Apple is expected to take the wraps off its highly anticipated ‘iPhone 7’ at a special event later on this fall. The device, among a few, minor design tweaks — including new camera optics, redesigned antenna lines, and a possible Force Touch-sensitive home button, is also expected to feature a slew of upgraded internal components — including Apple’s next-generation ‘A10’ SoC, more memory, and higher storage capacities starting at 32 GB.

Are you excited to get your hands on Apple’s ‘iPhone 7’? Let us know in the comments!

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]