A report from The Information claims that Apple's frustrations with Intel's modem efforts began earlier than some reports have indicated. These involved struggles with modems for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Do you know what does not struggle?:
A Message From Our Sponsor:
The report says:
It was easy 2017 and Apple was preparing a new line of iPhones to be released the next year, but the Intel modem for the devices, known as the 7560, wasn't working properly, according to two people with knowledge of the relationship. [...] Intel had already overhauled the modem four times to bring it up to par with the latest Qualcomm modem. But missed deadlines and continuing technical issues with the chip were making Apple executives anxious, said on the people.
The size of Intel's mobile division has made it difficult to efficiently engineer modems. According to a statement provided to The Information Intel confirmed that many companies have expressed interest in their modem business.
We have world-class 5G modem technology that very few companies have the IP and expertise to deliver. That's why many companies have expressed interest in acquiring our cellular modem assets since our recent announcement that we are assessing our option to realize the value we have created.
According to The Information Apple's in-house effort to make their own modems appear to be farther away than thought. During the interviews, the report claims Apple told prospective engineers that it expects to have its own modem ready by 2025. All in all, the report reaffirms that Apple was so fed up with Intel's modems that they had no choice but to settle its battle with Qualcomm.