iPhone fans have a shade under two years to wait until Apple finally embraces the next-gen superfast 5G standard, according to latest reports from leading tech sites this month.
Fast Company nails its reputation to the 5G iPhone rumour mast, citing “a source with knowledge of Apple’s plans,” who claims that the 5G iPhone should be on commercial release in 2020.
That report also claims that Apple will be using Intel’s 8161 5G modem chip, providing that the company is able to overcome a few minor technical hurdles centred around heat dissipation.
If that cannot be resolved in time, then Apple is apparently also in discussions with MediaTek to supply the 5G-ready chips as “Plan B”.
The Verge also reminds us that the FCC granted Apple approval to experiment with 5G tech last year and that the company is currently using Intel for the modems in its 2018 phone lineup, though is reportedly not going to use the company’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chips for the 2020 model.
Intel responded to questions about 5G and Apple from The Verge, telling them its “5G customer engagements and roadmap have not changed for 2018 through 2020. We remain committed to our 5G plans and projects.”
Of course, it’s hardly world-shattering news that Apple is readying the iPhone for the new 5G era, though it is good to know that we won’t have too long to wait to get our clammy mitts on it!
Via Fast Company and The Verge
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