Apple is gearing up to bring 5G, the next generation of cellular networking that promises greater coverage and faster download speeds, to the iPhone. A Fast Company report cites a “source with knowledge of Apple’s plans,” who says that the phone will launch in 2020.
The source also says that the phone will likely use Intel’s 8161 5G modem, though Apple has been frustrated with the manufacturer of late due to some technical issues around heat dissipation. Apple has held talks with MediaTek as a “Plan B” if the issues aren’t fixed.
The report explains that the problem lies in the way wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T will connect the first 5G phones. Initially they will rely on millimeter-wave spectrum (between 28 gigahertz and 39 Ghz), which puts strain on the modem chips and RF chains and causes a high amount of thermal energy — to the extent that it could be felt on the outside of the phone and decrease battery life.
Stay tuned for more information.
In other news, Elon Musk says Apple doesn’t “blow people’s minds” anymore.
