Report: Apple looking to Intel for iPhone modems


Intel could supply 70-percent or more of the modems in the next iPhone, according to a Fast Company report. The shift appears to be in the making since the iPhone 7 when Apple first split supplies between Qualcomm with Intel.

Fast Company:

The chip giant got its foot in the door with Apple when it provided some of the modems in Apple’s iPhone 7 line. Until then, Qualcomm had provided all the modems in Apple’s phones since 2011. However, Apple’s relationship with Qualcomm has become increasingly contentious during the past two years amid a legal dispute over the patent licensing fees paid to Qualcomm by Apple suppliers. And the iPhone maker seems poised to get Qualcomm modems out of its phones completely.

Apple seems to prefer to have multiple vendors for key components, so it will be seen if Apple will entirely move to Intel or bring in a new vendor if it intends to complete split with Qualcomm. According to the report, Qualcomm will pick up any slack in orders if Intel is unable to deliver for the next generation iPhone. If it can exceed its commitment, Intel could potentially earn more than the 70% split of component orders.