Apple still cannot do without Qualcomm and will continue to purchase its 5G baseband for the next four years

Among mobile phone manufacturers, Samsung and Huawei have integrated 5G baseband into their self-developed processors, becoming industry leaders. Apple is said to have similar plans, but the details are still mostly unconfirmed rumors. However, one thing is certain: baseband chips take several years to develop, and during this period, Apple still relies on mature third-party suppliers.

February 18 news According to foreign media reports, a procurement agreement reached after Apple and Qualcomm reached a settlement was recently exposed. The document stated that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm's 5G chips for the next four years.

Specifically, Apple will use the X55 baseband from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, the X60 from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, and the X65 or X70 from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024.

The document was published by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), and some information highlighting details such as price and hardware technical specifications was processed. But it also confirmed that Apple's 5G iPhone this year will use Qualcomm baseband, and its successors will use Snapdragon X60, Snapdragon X65, and Snapdragon X70 modems in turn. However, these names are likely to be temporary, and Qualcomm may make subsequent changes.

In short, Apple will have to purchase Qualcomm's 5G baseband for at least the next four years, including the X55 baseband from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, the X60 from June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, and the X65 or X70 from June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024.

Of course, the outside world speculates that Apple may adopt an approach similar to Samsung, that is, after the self-developed baseband is ready, some iPhones/iPads use a full set of independent solutions, while the other part still purchases Qualcomm chips.

The X55 baseband is currently also used in Snapdragon 865 5G mobile phones. It supports 2G~5G global full network access and is compatible with Sub 6GHz and mmWave millimeter wave bands. At least judging from this agreement, there should be no suspense that the "iPhone 12" series this fall will be equipped with it.