Over the years, Apple's modem supplier for iPhones and other gadgets has been Qualcomm. This year, with the release of the new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple welcomes Intel as one of their baseband chipset suppliers.
Apple's decision to go with Intel is a huge revelation and long-sought victory but this decision may have been more important for Intel. Intel turned down Steve Job's offer to build the first processor for the very first iPhone years ago and it cost Intel tremendously.
According to Forbes, this different approach of having intel as another chipset supplier for Apple, specifically the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, might be a great achievement for Intel. Let's see what the consumers think about this change.
To start off, iPhone 7 models with Intel modems are slower than iPhone 7s with Qualcomm modems. A test was made showing a huge performance gap between iPhone 7 with Intel modem and iPhone 7 with Qualcomm modem.
For the iPhone users, the disadvantage of owning an Intel-equipped iPhone 7 is quite notable when it comes to LTE connections. IPhone 7s equipped by intel have weaker connections than the Qualcomm-powered iPhone 7s.
There are ways to know which model of iPhone you are getting or have gotten. Make sure to check the model you prefer to have.
If you already have your new iPhone 7, you can check the model number of your iPhone at the back. If your iPhone 7 has Model A1660 or Model A1661 at the back, it has a Qualcomm Modem. If it has Model A1778 and Model A1784, your iPhone 7 is equipped with an Intel modem.
If you're planning to buy one, you can choose which stores to go to. Verizon and Sprint sell the Qualcomm-powered iPhone 7s while the AT&T and T-Mobile have the Intel-equipped iPhones 7s.
The reasons as to why Verizon and Sprint and AT&T and T-Mobile are selling different models is simple. Verizon and Sprint rely on CDMA or Code Division Multiple Access and only Qualcomm-powered iPhone 7s support this. IPhones with Intel modems will only work on AT&T and T-Mobile.
Every year, the entire tech world gets thrilled the moment Apple reveals and releases its new device, particularly the iPhones. Apple's devices are considered to be the gold standard in user experience with it unmatched system performance, premium build, and integrated software.
