One of the famous chip makers, Qualcomm, indirectly stated that Apple may be switching LTE Modem supplier for iPhone 7, from their company to its top competitor Intel.
Analysts presumed that Qualcomm is pointing to Apple, after Steve Mollenkopf, Chief Executive Officer of Qualcomm stated that they are about to lose their prominent client. This forecast that Mollenkopf stated strengthens the rumors that Qualcomm is about to lose the Cupertino-based tech company. Analysts think that Qualcomm may experience a great loss of asset if the speculations of switching suppliers are true.
According to research made by Srini Parjjuri, an analyst from CLSA Securities, a huge number of LTE chips were produced by Intel specifically for Apple's iPhone 7. Apple may have placed majority of the order but most probably the remaining portion will be given to Qualcomm, added by Pajjuri in his report during the early part of March. The said research noted that around 30 to 40 percent of LTE chips for iPhone 7 will be supplied by Intel.
Intel offers faster speeds than competitors as their current supposed downlink speed is up to 450 Mbps with uplink of up to 100 Mbps. Their LTE chips supports LTE category 10 and 29, with LTE brands across the board. With these type of specs for an LTE chip, iPhone 7 would probably have faster speeds for video streaming, web surfing, downloading apps as well as other data services features. Intel's latest LTE chip is the 7360 LTE Modem which is speculated to be supplied to the upcoming iPhone 7 models this September.
On one hand, the previous iPhone models, 6S and 6 Plus, have already enhanced their LTE capability by using Qualcomm MDM96 that has an estimated downlink speed of up to 300 Mbps and an uplink speed of 50 Mbps, which is also considerably fast, Mac Rumors reported..
The statement that Qualcomm executive revealed caught the attention of all Apple enthusiasts especially those who are highly anticipating the upcoming iPhone 7. Analysts could not think of other company who Qualcomm CEO is pertaining to during the earnings call event held in April 20. Since Samsung is already working with several various chip makers, it wouldn't be surprising if Apple will also consider getting other suppliers, according to 9 to 5 Mac.