Apple's 2020 series of iPhones will work on both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, but there is a good chance that the vendor may introduce new models supporting either of the bands but not both for specific markets in 2021, according to sources from Taiwan's IC supply chain.
The speculation for the possible introduction of iPhone models with limited band support has emerged recently as Apple's supply chain partners both in Taiwan and China get ready to ramp up shipments of needed parts and components for the 2020 iPhone lineup, said the sources.
Some market observers are still speculating that Apple may release single- and dual-mode 5G iPhones in 2020 catering to different markets according to their respective 5G support.
However, sources in Taiwan's semiconductor industry pointed out that Apple will introduce only dual-mode 5G iPhones this year as it has decided to adopt Qualcomm's Snapdragon X60 5G modem chips for its 2020 iPhone lineup. The X60 5G modem chips supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave.
While acknowledging that the chance of utilizing both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks at the same time is not high, the sources noted that Apple is rolling out dual-mode 5G models initially in order to set the benchmark, outracing Android competitors in phone specs.
While single-mode iPhones supporting either sub-6 GHz or mmWave are not to be available in the second half of 2020, some other sources believe that Apple will introduce single-mode 5G models for some specific markets, most likely in 2021, as 5G network standards are hard to unify globally and some countries, particularly China, are clearly focused on sub-6GHz, and the US is emphasizing on mmWave technology.
The release of 5G models with limited band support could cut down on modem costs for future iPhones, while helping ramp up market share, the sources commented.
Article translated by Steve Shen
