Do you know which company makes the modem in your iPhone?
If you’re a hardware geek like me, maybe. Apple sources modems from both Qualcomm and Intel, using slightly different modems in different models by carrier and region. The U.S. version of the iPhone for Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular uses a modem from Qualcomm (the X16), as does the carrier-unlocked version. The version sold by T-Mobile and AT&T uses an Intel modem (the XMM 7480). The biggest difference is that the Qualcomm modem supports both CDMA and GSM networks while the Intel one only supports GSM.
Recently, a report from Calcalist claimed that Apple was considering using Intel’s upcoming 5G “Sunny Peak” wireless chip in the 2020 iPhone, but has since canceled its order. Should you care? Does it really make a difference?
