Qualcomm is still the only official modem supplier for new iPhones shipping next month, although Intel could start taking up orders in 2017, a report said on Tuesday.
Qualcomm is partnering with TSMC to build modems for this year's iPhones, using the latter's 20-nanometer process, sources DigiTimes. The people argued that Intel is unlikely to win any orders for 2015 or 2016, but that it could become a supplier for 2017 iPhones as Apple is looking for additional modem providers.
The report comes in response to a memo by Northland Capital Markets analyst Gus Richard, who recently said that Intel may have won as much as for next-generation iPhones. Apple has been considering an Intel modem "for a while," Richard added.
DigiTimes has a mixed track record when it comes to Apple hardware, but could have some insight as it's primarily focused on the supply sector.
Apple is expected to ship at least , leading with devices known as the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. Apple might also ship an "iPhone 6c," which if it exists might sport the specifications of the iPhone 6 in a device the size of the iPhone 5s. Regardless, a press event is rumored for Sept. 9, followed by a launch on Sept. 18.