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20% of 2023 iPhones expected to use Qualcomm's modem chips

By Cookie Monster - on 18 Nov 2021, 12:00am

20% of 2023 iPhones expected to use Qualcomm's modem chips

Image source: MacRumours

Apple is expected to cut its reliance on Qualcomm's modem chips from 2023. 

During Qualcomm's Investor Day event, CFO Akash Palkhiwala shared that the company expects to supply only 20% of Apple's modem chips in 2023. If Qualcomm's forecast is accurate, 2022 will be the last year where Qualcomm has a modem monopoly in the Apple iPhones.

Apple reportedly started development of its own modems for the iPhone as early as 2018. Job listings for a "cellular modem systems architect" were found online. In February 2019, Reuters reported that Apple moved its modem chip engineering team into the in-house hardware technology group. This suggests a higher priority for radio modem design within Apple.

While Apple and Qualcomm signed a multi-year chipset supply deal in April 2019, the iPhone maker made it clear that the in-house development of a radio modem is "another key strategic transition" and a long-term strategic investment. It acquired Intel's smartphone modem business for $1 billion which includes the transfer of 2,200 Intel employees, intellectual property, equipment and leases.

Initial estimates by The Information indicated that Apple's own modems could be ready by 2025, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the custom-designed modem chip could ship in 2023.

Source: MacRumours

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