Apple is reportedly working on modems with Intel for 5G support on future iPhones. The report comes from Fast Company and suggests that Apple engineers are already working with engineers from Intel to develop modems that can support faster speeds than 4G/LTE. 

© Intel

Apple is reducing work with Qualcomm and have started exploring other options for modem needs. Apple and Qualcomm have engaged in numerous lawsuits in the past and it seems like Apple has had enough of it. The report does not detail the identity of the source; however, Intel just announced that they have “successfully completed a full end-to-end 5G call based on its early 5G silicon, a key milestone in its development.”

© MensXP/Naasir Jamaal

Qualcomm has already been developing 5G modems and many have pointed out that the San Diego company is the early leader. However, according to Fast Company, Qualcomm's technology will “not be widely adopted by carriers.” The report goes on to say that Apple believes Intel's 5G modem fits their requirements for a future iPhone.

© MensXP/Naasir Jamaal

If Intel supplies Apple with 5G modems, it could change Intel's fortunes and may just bring Intel back to top in the modem game. The report says that “Intel has lagged far behind Qualcomm in the modem market but has a small army working on 5G, numbering in the “multiple thousands,” the source estimates. The initiative to provide 5G modem for the iPhone is now considered a “must-win” for Intel.”

A 5G modem will let smartphones achieve gigabit speeds; however, in order to make the technology ready for the mass market, many technical upgrades will be required from carriers and smartphone manufacturers.

Intel has already been supplying Apple with modems since the iPhone 7 and it seems like the two companies are going to work hand in hand for some time to come. Apple's relationship with Qualcomm is becoming tenser by the day and Apple is already working towards iPhones that will be completely free of Qualcomm technology.