Apple plans to release its first iPhone with 5G in 2020
Apple is said to be planning to release the first iPhone that can connect to 5G networks in 2020. It would use Intel’s 8161 chip, and Apple would already be developing a prototype.
The plans have not been publicly announced by Apple, but a source with knowledge of the 5G iPhone told Fast Company that if development goes according to plan, the smartphone should be on the market in 2020. Currently there is a prototype that Apple is testing, although it does not yet have Intel’s 8161 chip; instead it uses its predecessor, the 8160.
The first tests would show that Apple is not yet satisfied with the performance of the Intel modem. That would require a lot of battery and heat up quickly. Despite this, it seems that Apple wants to continue using the Intel chips, although talks would also be held with MediaTek to provide 5G chips just to be sure. Earlier it was announced that Apple is no longer working with Qualcomm for the supply of smartphone chips. The cause is probably the legal conflict between the two companies.
Last year it was already announced that Apple is testing with 5g. More manufacturers are developing 5G smartphones, and the first devices are expected to hit the market next year.