Apple is reportedly looking into acquiring Intel’s German smartphone modem business. The acquisition could help Apple’s attempts to develop its own 5G chip for the iPhone, The Information said Tuesday, citing four people briefed on the Apple-Intel discussions.
Apple had originally used modems from Germany’s Infineon when it launched the iPhone 10 years ago, before switching to Qualcomm in 2011. Intel then bought Infineon in 2011, but those chips weren’t used again until the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in 2016 after a dispute over Qualcomm’s licensing fees.
When Apple and Qualcomm settled their legal battle and reached a multiyear 5G chip deal in April this year, Intel exited the 5G phone modem business. CEO Bob Swan confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that the decision was due to Apple and Qualcomm.
Intel told CNET it has seen “significant interest” in its 5G modem business, but did not confirm which companies have been in contact.
“We have hired outside advisors to help us assess strategic options for our wireless 5G phone business,” the emailed statement said. “We have created value both in our portfolio of wireless modem products and in our intellectual property.”
The news follows reports last month that Apple may not have a homegrown 5G modem ready for its iPhones until late 2024 or early 2025.
Chipsets are one of the most complex and expensive parts of a smartphone. By producing its own, Apple could reduce reliance on outside companies.
Even with Qualcomm’s help, Apple isn’t expected to launch a 5G iPhone until 2020, despite 5G Android phones from Samsung, Huawei, LG, OnePlus, Lenovo/Motorola, ZTE, Xiaomi and Oppo already announced or available.
Already launched in the US by Verizon, by AT&T and by Sprint, 5G is the next-generation network being used by smartphones to provide faster speeds and more capacity.
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.