Apple 5G iPhone

Apple’s 5G iPhone will come to market in 2020, a source

with knowledge of Apple’s plans says.

Apple plans to use Intel’s 8161 5G modem chip in its

2020 phones. Intel hopes to fabricate the 8161 using its

10-nanometer process, which increases transistor

density for more speed and efficiency. If everything goes

as planned, Intel will be the sole provider of iPhone

Modems.

Intel has been working on a precursor to the 8161

called the 8060, which will be used for prototyping and

testing the 5G iPhone.

Apple, our source says, has been unhappy with Intel

lately. The most likely reason relates to the challenge

of solving heat dissipation issues caused by the 8060

modem chip.

Many wireless carriers, including Verizon and AT&T

in the U.S., will initially rely on millimeter-wave spectrum

(between 28 gigahertz and 39 Ghz) to connect the first

5G phones. But millimeter-wave signal requires some

heavy lifting from the modem chips and RF chains, our

source explains. This causes the release of higher-than-

normal levels of thermal energy inside the phone–so

much so that the heat can be felt on the outside of the

phone.