Apple is planning to produce its own new 5G iPhone, according to Fast Company. This has come as a result of Apple not being satisfied with the existing Qualcomm QTM 525 millimeter-wave antenna module existing 5G design. Qualcomm will still take charge of the 5G modem chip, but the antenna module is what Apple will be handling. The source also suggested that a mock-up from Apple required twice the battery power as a comparable antenna.
Primarily, two major factors gave rise to this decision. Firstly, Qualcomm’s 5G antenna comes in a big size, which means this will force Apple into going for a big design and look. Secondly, Apple will have to pay Qualcomm more for them to get its components. As a result, this will add to the cost of the device when launched.
This is not the first time that Apple will be designing their antenna. It first happened in the year 2012 when the iPhone 4 device was launched. It came along with the company’s own antenna. The outcome was not what users expected as there was an issue with the reception being weak when held in some way that covered up the antenna. Apple had to resolve this, after admitting there was a problem with the sensor and that the problem will be rectified. They also said that those who faced the antennagate issues could avail a free bumper, and if they had already purchased a bumper, the price of the bumper would be refunded.
All things being equal, this plan will be of an advantage to Apple as they will not have to rely heavily on Qualcomm for any future production. Though it should also be noted that it may still take some time before they begin to produce products of Qualcomm’s standard.
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