Apple might be considering Samsung or MediaTek for 5G chips to be installed on its upcoming iPhones.
According to a report from Reuters, Apple might be considering other vendors for purchasing 5G chips for its smartphones. Apple got into an official conversation with the Samsung and MediaTek officials for the supply of 5G chips that would be installed on its iPhones for 2019 or 2020. According to the official testimony from an Apple’s executive, these two vendors might be complementing the existing vendor Intel to ensure the total supply.
Also Read: Apple reportedly cuts iPhone production by 10% for the next three months
The testimony was presented by a supply chain executive for Apple Tony Blevins, who was tending to a court trial between Qualcomm and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Apple previously had been relying on Qualcomm for supplying of chips like these until Apple brought Intel into the loop too Last year, Apple completely shifted to Intel from Qualcomm.
The existing case between the US Trade Commission and Qualcomm, alleges Qualcomm to have previously engaged into using ‘anticompetitive patent licensing’ for their market domination. An interesting scenario could turn up if Apple is moved to choosing Samsung and MediaTek for their 5G chips as these companies happen to be one of its main rivals.
It also gives us an insight that the upcoming iPhones might have a 5G ready infrastructure. But considering that iPhones had been lagging in their network technology, we might not see these 5G iPhones until next year.
