In a few years, Apple will no longer rely on modems from Qualcomm for its smartphones thanks to its new acquisition of Intel’s modem business, actually “the majority of intel’s smartphone modem business”.
According to an official press statement released by Apple, over 2000 Intel employees will join the Cupertino-based company along with intellectual property, equipment, and leases.
Johnny Srouji, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Technologies said they (Apple) are excited “to have so many excellent engineers join their growing cellular technologies group”.
If you combine the acquired patents with Apple’s current portfolio, Apple will hold over 17,000 wireless technology patents which cover cellular standards protocols, modem architecture, and modem operation.
Apple says the deal is worth $1 billion and is expected to be completed by Q4 2019.
A statement by Intel’s CEO, Bob Swan said the “agreement enables us to focus on developing technology for the 5G network while retaining critical intellectual property and modem technology that our team has created”.
Intel will continue to develop modems for other devices including computers, IoT devices, and autonomous vehicles; so it is still very much involved in 5G.
We don’t know how long it will take for Apple’s in-house modem to start appearing in its phones but it will bring big benefits for it as an in-house modem will result in better integration with the rest of the hardware and also exclusive features not available in other devices.
