Intel is all set to provide the fast wireless modem chip for a new Apple smartphone.
A recent report revealed that the tech giant's next iPhone will boast the same kind of touch technology already present in the Apple Watch as well as some MacBook models like the latest 12-inch laptop.
VentureBeat shared more details about Apple's forthcoming iPhones, suggesting that the ace smartphone makers might have a special iPhone in store next year.
VentureBeat has learned from two sources close to the companies' plans that the new Apple smartphone in 2016 will feature Intel's fast wireless modem chip. Intel's brand new 7360 LTE modem will occupy a socket on the new iPhone's circuit board that's long been reserved for Qualcomm chips. According to Intel, the 7360 supports up to 450 mbps download speeds and is also compatible with Category 9/10 LTE and 3X carrier aggregation.
According to TheMacObserver, Intel has been willing to do everything it can to make sure the 7360 is compatible with the iPhone and apparently even made modifications for tighter integration with Apple's own A-series processors that control their smartphones.
Insider sources told VentureBeat that if Intel does not hit keystone goals, Apple could even walk away from the plan. In order to ready the Intel LTE chip for iPhone, Apple engineers have been making trips to Munich, Germany to work alongside Intel engineers for months.
Qualcomm has been the leader in providing chips for phones for a long time and it has also provided the modems for generations of iPhones. However, sources revealed that Apple and Qualcomm have an uneasy relationship. One source claims second sourcing (finding second supplier for) a major component might give Apple an edge in the relationship.
Intel has admitted that it is in fact running behind Qualcomm in the smartphone market, however the tech giant says providing chips for the devices is a major initiative now.
Getting a chip back into an iconic device like the iPhone is a huge win for Intel.
