Apple may be ditching Intel in its search for 5G radio modems
Apple may not be using Intel's 5G radio modems for its devices.
Image source: Intel
*Updated on 7 July: Intel clarified that the "Intel 5G modem part of the story is inaccurate". The Sunny Peak component was designed to provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, not 5G.
Originally published on 6 July 2018
Intel may be supplying radio modems for some of the iPhone models this year, but Apple is said to have ditched Intel in its search for 5G radio modems.
According to internal company communications read by Calcalist and sources familiar with the matter, Apple has informed Intel it would not use a mobile modem developed by the chipmaker for the 2020 iPhones due to "many factors".
The component of the mobile modem has an internal codename "Sunny Peak". It is a 5G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth component designed by Intel for Apple's future iPhones. Further development of the modem component has been stopped and the team which is working on it has been reassigned to other projects.
It was reported in November 2017 that both companies were working together on 5G modems and Apple was said to be confident that Intel could meet its requirements. Despite the latest setback, Intel is still hoping to secure orders for Apple's 2022 mobile devices by improving Sunny Peak.
However, Intel could face stiff competition from MediaTek as the Taiwanese modem manufacturer has leading technological competitiveness, extensive product blueprints and reliable logistic support. MediaTek is likely to secure Wi-Fi chip orders from Apple for use in the HomePod smart speaker.
Source: Calcalistech
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