One of the less favorable points of the new iPhone 12 has been to verify that the 5G modem was the Snapdragon X55 model instead of the more recent Qualcomm Snapdragon X60. Now, a document regarding the agreements between Apple and Qualcomm on royalties shows that the Snapdragon X60 would be used in Apple devices between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022.
It is the time when Apple would be focused on the iPhone 13. Thus, we know that Apple does not plan to integrate the communications modem in the SoC. It seems that Apple will continue to use Qualcomm chips until 2024 when it comes to 5G communications. For now, we will have to wait at least until 2025 to see an Apple SoC for 5G of its own bill.
The Snapdragon X60 is more efficient on paper than the X55, which is coming under fire for the high power consumption of operating in 5G mode. Apparently, Apple dropped the 120Hz display due to high power consumption, but at the same time is using a very inefficient communications chip. A bit contradictory.
