It seems that Apple‘s strategy to switch to its own chips is much more extensive than one might think. At first, everyone thought that the company was only going to get rid of Intel processors, replacing them with their own SoCs based on the ARM architecture. Then there was evidence that Apple is also preparing its own GPU – instead of AMD’s 3D accelerators. And here’s the news about a new “chip” in development. This time – Apple modems.
The iPhone 12 now uses the 7nm Snapdragon X55 modem to provide 5G connectivity. By the way, he is accused of the low autonomy of the iPhone 12. They say, if there were a 5-nanometer Snapdragon X60 with lower power consumption, then the phones would work longer. The claim, I must say, is very strange, especially considering the capacity of the iPhone 12 batteries. It is not clear whether this was the reason why Apple decided to abandon Qualcomm modems, or the complete transition to “its own chips” is some kind of global plan. but Apple started working on its own modem.
According to the publication Sina Technology, Johny Srouji, senior vice president of hardware technology at Apple, announced this at a meeting with company employees. No further details yet, but the news was enough for Qualcomm’s stock to fall. Obviously, as soon as Apple has its own modem ready; it will instantly appear on the iPhone and probably the MacBook. Qualcomm is currently making very good money off the Snapdragon X55 supplied to Apple; but this revenue stream will cease to exist in the future. Of course, investors don’t like that.
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Apple may even deprive iPhone 13 buyers of the cable
According to the source, Apple has begun to conduct surveys among iPhone 12 users. In one of the survey items, the company is interested in how often smartphone owners use what is in the kit. A USB-C Lightning cable, the SIM card removal tool, and even the stickers. Of course, in such a case study, it is easy to conclude Apple’s desire to make the package of the upcoming iPhone 13 even more empty.
It is known that Apple is one of the brightest fighters for the cleanliness of the environment. For example, the company’s devices use recyclable materials; and the decision to exclude the charger from the iPhone 12 was dictated by these “green” considerations – to create less digital waste. But the cable, if not in use, is also rubbish. Although in terms of cable, Apple is a hostage of its own path. While most companies have already switched to the universal USB-C standard for several years; Apple still cannot completely abandon Lightning, thereby increasing the number of “cable garbage”. Well, perhaps with the iPhone 13 this issue will finally end.
Another issue that draws attention is related to Face ID. Apple is interested in how satisfied users are with this biometric identification system. And one of the points of the answer is “I prefer Touch ID”. Earlier rumors attributed two identification systems to the iPhone 13 – both Face ID and Touch ID. It is possible that the final solution to this issue – to leave only Face ID, or to offer both options – will be made just taking into account the current survey.
