The next-generation iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with Qualcomm’s latest cellular modem, according to technology analyst Jeff Pu, enabling faster and more power-efficient 5G connectivity for devices.
In a research note this week with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Bo said that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with… Snapdragon X75 modem from Qualcomm. However, he expects the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus to retain the Snapdragon X70 modem used in the entire iPhone 15 lineup. Apple typically uses the same Qualcomm modem in all models for each generation of iPhone, with the exception of the low-end iPhone SE, so this would be a change in strategy for the company.
Announced in February 2023, the Snapdragon X75 features improved carrier aggregation and other technological advances for faster download and upload speeds on a 5G network compared to the X70. The modem’s combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver takes up 25% less circuit board space and uses up to 20% less power, according to to the edge.
The Snapdragon X75 also supports the latest “5G Advanced” standard, which is described as “the next stage of 5G” and “the evolution towards 6G.” 5G Advanced will include AI and machine learning improvements to improve 5G performance, and will also expand 5G to include additional types of devices and use cases.
Apple will likely market the iPhone 16 Pro models as featuring “5G Advanced,” just as the iPhone 6s gained “LTE Advanced” support in 2015.
Apple has been rumored to be working on its own 5G modem for iPhone since 2018, but the project has reportedly faced development challenges, and the modem is not expected to be announced until 2025 or later if it comes true. Meanwhile, Apple has extended its 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm through 2026.
Apple is supposed to announce the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024, so there is still plenty of time left until the devices launch.
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