Intel will not produce a smartphone 5G chip, the company throws in the towel

Intel is pulling out of the 5G smartphone modems market. The company is not ready to commit to it and finally makes it known. This is a big blow for Apple losing its only modem provider for the iPhone. At least, regarding the challenge of 5G. The Cupertino company still avoids the impasse by finding a surprise and unexpected deal with Qualcomm.

We felt that coming and it's now official. Intel is not able to offer 5G chips for smartphones and abandons its agenda that provided for the release of the modem 5G XMM 8160 by 2020. The first company affected by this decision is none other than Apple whose Intel chips had gradually become his only option since the beginning of his war with Qualcomm.

Intel abandons its 5G modem project for smartphones

The company announced it through a press release issued Tuesday, April 16th. "We will continue to meet our current commitments for the existing 4G modem line, but do not plan to launch a 5G modem for mobiles." The firm does not give up all its ambitions and "will continue to invest in its activities in the infrastructure of 5G networks". It will also continue to study "opportunities" for 4G and 5G chips in PCs and connected objects.

On the other hand, "in the network chip market for smartphones, it became clear that there was no path to profitability," said Bob Swan, Intel's CEO. Apple was one of the first to be aware of its difficulties. For several months, the Cupertino company was trying to find a viable 5G modem provider for its future iPhone, which suggested a delay.

It turned to Samsung, which is obviously not ready to supply its 5G Exynos 5100 modem in sufficient quantity. Apple was in a dead end, with only options for Huawei and Qualcomm. From both sides, the choice seemed almost impossible. Huawei has volunteered to equip the iPhone with its 5G modem, but this option is not an option for Apple in a Trump America that has become too hostile to the Chinese company. Finally, the Cupertino company and Qualcomm managed to bury the hatchet and find common ground.