Apple might not be using Qualcomm's baseband chips for the iPhones this year

Apple is selecting a new supplier for the baseband chips in its iPhones this year.

According to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is believed to have dropped Qualcomm entirely from the iPhone lineup this year. Intel will be the exclusive supplier as it can meet Apple's technical requirements and delivers more competitive prices.

Intel's baseband chips are also expected to support dual SIM and dual standby although there is no concrete evidence that Apple's upcoming iPhone lineup will support these features.

Kuo does not rule out the possibility of Qualcomm coming back into the supply chain as part of several concessions in the patent lawsuit settlement. In addition, Qualcomm might be in a better position to roll out 5G networking compared to Intel. 

In November last year, The Wall Street Journal wrote that Apple is planning to drop Qualcomm chips from the iPhone and iPad in 2018. Following that report, Fast Company jumped in with another claim that Apple is working with Intel on 5G modems for future iPhones. 

Source: 9to5Mac

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