Apple's long-rumored line of proprietary 5G processors, which would finally make it free from the reliance on Qualcomm, may not be available in time for the iPhone 15 series.
Apple's 5G Chipset Is Not Yet Ready in 2023
Like its A-series chipset for iPhones and M-series chipset for MacBooks and high-end iPads, Apple has been attempting to build its own custom 5G technology for years.
Problems have repeatedly delayed the hardware, and although people had hoped to see it debut with the iPhone 15 series in late 2023, this may now be delayed much more, as first seen on DIGITIMES Asia.
According to Phone Arena's separate report, Apple has purchased a large quantity of 5G and RF processors from Qualcomm, presumably the Snapdragon X70.
Reports indicate that Apple has purchased a large quantity of 5G and RF processors from Qualcomm, presumably the Snapdragon X70.
Earlier in 2022, this 5G chip was revealed and marketed as the "world's first 5G AI (artificial intelligence) processor in a 5G modem-RF system," with the claim that it significantly improves 5G performance in both sub-6GHz and mmWave settings.
TSMC, the maker of the Snapdragon X70, anticipates a near full utilization of its 7/6nm process nodes in the second half of 2023 when production of the iPhone 15 would be in full gear.
Previous Prediction Is Becoming Real
As a whole, this report is consistent with the previous rumors.
At the beginning of November, Qualcomm said in its earnings report that the company anticipates providing the vast majority of the 5G chips for the next iPhone 15.
The situation at the moment gives credibility to a 2019 projection that Apple would not wholly switch to its own proprietary iPhone 5G processors until 2025.
Having Apple in complete control of the critical 5G networking aspect would assure a closer synergy with the rest of the Apple-made gear inside. It could possibly greatly enhance communication speeds and overall efficiency.
Further Rumors on iPhone 15 Series
According to Phone Arena, even more speculations are circulating about Apple's next range of iPhones.
Some have speculated that the iPhone 15 Pro Max would eventually transform into the iPhone 15 Ultra, including a more advanced design, perhaps made entirely of titanium. Plus, it may have a higher price tag.
Multiple reports have suggested that the iPhone 15 Ultra would have a second periscope camera or at least a more powerful telephoto lens.
The Dynamic Island, a display with a refresh rate of up to 120 hertz (called ProMotion Liquid Retina XDR), up to 8 gigabytes of RAM, and a USB-C connector would all make a comeback, as required by European Union regulation.
In general, the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro will continue in the same vein as their predecessors.
See Also: Apple's iPhone Production in India May Triple by 2025, Reaching 12-15 Million Units in Two Years
