Intel may be the exclusive modem supplier for the next-gen Apple iPhone X

Intel, the chipmaker that has been Apple’s one of the key partners for Mac models, may become the sole supplier for the upcoming iPhone X smartphone’s modem chip. This prediction comes from a KGI Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, in his latest investors note obtained by Mac Rumours website. This is likely to leave Qualcomm with absolutely no contribution in iPhones.

This prediction by Kuo is slightly different from what he made previously. The analyst previously said Intel to supply 70% of modems and remaining 30% would come from Qualcomm.

“We expect Intel to be the exclusive supplier of baseband chip for 2H18 new iPhone models, while Qualcomm may not have a share of the orders at all,” said Kuo’s note.
This is not a surprising move though as Apple is already in a cold war with Qualcomm over anti-competitive licensing practices. In addition to this, Intel’s modem in next-gen iPhone X will make it the first ever to come with that particular component. Until now, Apple used Qualcomm’s modems for its iPhones. In fact, the iPhone X sports Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 modem.

However, this is an early prediction and may change later. Kuo adds that since Apple prefers to keep more than one supplier for an iPhone’s component, Intel may not be an exclusive supplier after all.

Intel is said to use its XMM 7560 modem in the new iPhones that include faster LTE speeds with 4×4 MIMO technology. Whatever might be the case, we will get to know more as the launch date come close.

Talking about Intel, Samsung recently overtook the US chipmaker in its own game of chip making for the first time in 25 years, making former the world’s biggest processor-making firm. Samsung has shown its 2017 chip sales of $69 billion, which is $6 billion more than what Intel reported – $63 billion.