The first 5G Apple iPhone is likely to use an Intel modem, the 8161, and it could hit stores in 2020, according to a report in Fast Company.
If everything goes as planned, Intel will be the sole provider of iPhone modems, said the report. For prototyping and testing the 5G iPhone, Intel is reportedly working on a precursor to the 8161 called the 8060.
Intel is trying its best to get the processor to offer more speed and efficiency, for which it is likely to fabricate the 8161 using its 10-nanometer process. And this seems to have delayed the whole process too.
The performance of 8060 appears to have triggered a little tension between Apple and Intel due to "heat dissipation issues" that would both raise the temperature and hurt battery life.
We already know that the OnePlus 7 will be a 5G-enabled phone, and it’s quite possible that either the Galaxy S10 or the Galaxy Note 10 could get support for the latest generation in connectivity.
Honestly, we don’t mind Apple taking time to come out with 5G phones, with the networks unlikely to become fully active by 2019, at least in markets like India.
While Apple may take its own sweet time to launch a 5G-enabled iPhone, most Android brands will offer 5G support in 2019 itself. Phone makers like OnePlus, Huawei and Samsung among others have talked of their respective 5G devices to be showcased next year.
However, Apple's current issues with Intel are not serious enough to cause Apple to turn to Qualcomm for the supply of 5G modems, said the Fast Company report, based on its source. Apple declined to comment on the report.
Apple launched the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR this year, its first dual-SIM phone that supports eSIM for the other number. These are priced starting at Rs 76,900 for the XR, going up to Rs 1,45,900 for the top variant of the iPhone XS Max.
(With IANS inputs)
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