Only Pro Models of the iPhone 16 series May Get Qualcomm’s Most Recent 5G Modem

According to some recent pieces of information, Apple might restrict the latest cellular modem to only Pro models of the iPhone 16 series. The technology analyst Jeff Pu claims that the latest cellular modem by Qualcomm might only be found in the iPhone 16 Pro models.

In a research report today with investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu maintained his assumption that the iPhone 16 Pro versions will be paired with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem. According to him, the standard models of the iPhone 16 series will feature the Snapdragon X70 modem, the one found in all variants of the iPhone 15 series. This modem differential between the Pro and basic models would represent a shift in Apple’s approach.

The Snapdragon X75 modem was debuted by Qualcomm last year in February. As compared to the Snapdragon X70, the X75 modem features faster 5G download and upload speeds and improved carrier aggregation. According to The Verge, the combined mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G transceiver of the new modem takes 20% less power and occupies 25% less space on the circuit board.

The most recent “5G Advanced” standard—dubbed “the next phase of 5G” and an “evolution towards 6G”—is likewise supported by the Snapdragon X75. In addition to extending 5G to new device kinds and use cases, 5G Advanced will increase 5G performance through the application of AI and machine learning. Apple is probably going to promote the iPhone 16 Pro models’ capability for 5G Advanced, much as it did for LTE Advanced on the iPhone 6s back in 2015.

Since 2018, Apple has been reportedly working on its own 5G modem for iPhone. However, there have been development challenges for the company. Reportedly, the modem won’t arrive until 2025 or later. Meanwhile, Apple and Qualcomm extended their contract for 5G modems until 2026. The iPhone 16 series is expected to arrive in September, this year.