iPhone 7 will use Intel and Qualcomm modems, the Apple company will provide the GSM terminals with Intel modems, while the CDMA units will be delivered with Qualcomm modems, the differences between them being quite large.
The real reason why Apple chose to segment the versions in this way iPhone 7 no one knows, but the ratio of GSM vs CDMA units sold worldwide should be tilted in favor of Intel, because CDMA models will be sold in the US and some Asian countries.
In this idea, Intel would produce most of the modems that will be used in iPhone 7, and most likely 7 iPhone Plus, the two components having different performances, as is normal since we are talking about different manufacturers.
According to those who obtained information regarding the division of modems in the iPhone 7, Apple's decision to call on Intel for this component is based on financial reasons, those from Cupertino looking for a method to force Qualcomm to reduce modem prices.
Choosing Intel's part for an important role in the product that generates about two-thirds of Apple's annual revenue may represent a calculated gamble by the company. Bringing in second-source suppliers is a long-established practice by device makers looking to make sure they're in a better position to negotiate on price. However, analysts such as Stacy Rasgon at Sanford C. Bernstein have said that Qualcomm's modems remain ahead of Intel's offerings in performance when measured by how much data they can get from the network into the phone.
The worst part for us is that Qualcomm's modems have better performance than Intel's, so we are going to get an inferior chip because Apple wants to make more profit from selling its iPhone terminals, and this will cost it image part.
Intel is at the beginning with the production of modems for smartphones, and Qualcomm has been producing such components for years and years, so it is normal for there to be differences between companies, the situation being similar to chipped from last year.
Having said that, out of greed, the Apple company will offer us different performances for mobile telephony in iPhone 7 GSM and CDMA, and perhaps this was to be expected if we look at the greed shown by the Apple company in recent years.
