The iPhone 11 range features modems from Intel rather than from Qualcomm, according to field test screens analyzed by PCMag.
It was already assumed that the devices would sport Intel modems rather than Qualcomm, as the company’s rekindled partnership with Qualcomm happened too late, with the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro already in production by the time a deal was struck.
Earlier this year, Apple and Qualcomm confirmed a deal that will see the company supply Apple with modems in the coming years, though Apple is developing its own technology after purchasing Intel’s modem department, setting a 2021 goal for its own modem release.
According to PCMag, Intel and Qualcomm iPhones feature different menu configurations, and Apple’s latest iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro range was found using the Intel layout.
“We figured this out because the field test menus on Intel-based and Qualcomm-based iPhones have different menu items, and the menu items have stayed consistent through the generations,” they said in their report.
“According to Apple, there is one model of each of the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max sold in the US. With one of each device in hand, I went to the field test mode and found that it had an Intel layout.”
The latest test does not confirm which Intel modem Apple is using, but it’s expected that the company opted for the XMM 7660, which was the final modem Intel produced before shutting down – and later being acquired by Apple for future iPhone modems.
PCMag says that the new Intel iPhone should offer around 20% faster LTE speeds than the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR, but that it would need to conduct further testing to confirm.
However, the iPhone 11 is expected to be slower than the iPhone 11 Pro, the premium iPhone, and successor to the $999 iPhone XR, as the 11 features 2×2 MIMO rather than the 4×4 MIMO found on the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Expecting an iPhone 11 delivery this week? Let us know whether you notice any LTE speed improvements when it arrives over on Twitter using @AppleMagazine, and check back soon for more news and rumors on Apple, as and when we get it.