Future Apple Watch Models Will Reportedly Ditch Intel Modems, And Transition To MediaTek’s Solutions, Which Will Make These Devices 5G-Ready

Current-generation Apple Watch models are probably the only devices whose internals comprise of Intel’s modems. However, it appears that this alliance will come to an end, with the California-based giant eyeing a future and prosperous partnership with Taiwanese fabless semiconductor manufacturer MediaTek. According to the latest report, the new tag-team will allow Apple to leverage the chipset maker’s 5G modems, bringing advanced wireless connectivity to its future smartwatch watches.

MediaTek’s 5G modems designed for future Apple Watch models will not only deliver unrivaled wireless speeds but mass produced on an improved lithography, which will result in improved efficiency

All Apple Watch models, including the premium Apple Watch Ultra, are outfitted with Intel 4G modems, which is rather surprising to hear because devices like iPhones and iPads have all shipped with 5G baseband chips for years now. It is not like Apple’s wearable division is a low-priority business because various watch models bring in billions of dollars for the company. However, a switch to 5G chips could improve the firm’s prospects, which is why Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that ditching Intel could become a necessity at this point.

After all, all of Intel’s modems are capped at 4G LTE speeds, and as reported by MacRumors, MediaTek’s solutions support 5G Recap, which is a service that is specifically designed for connected devices and wearables that do not require standard 5G speeds. Additionally, looking at how MediaTek is now leveraging TSMC’s latest manufacturing processes to compete with Qualcomm and Apple with its Dimensity 9400 launch, its 5G modems could not only beat Intel’s offerings when comparing raw performance but in power efficiency too.

The last attribute will allow future Apple Watch models to last longer, resulting in a major selling point for buyers who were discouraged by the runtime of current-generation smartwatches. Given that MediaTek can become a potential supplier, we are scratching our heads, thinking about why Apple does not opt to use the manufacturer to obtain 5G modems for future iPhones. Then again, we often have to remind ourselves that the technology titan has a penchant for having control of every little component.

With the iPhone SE 4 supposedly featuring Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, it is only a matter of time before the company shrinks those baseband chips for use in future smartwatches, but that will be a discussion for another time.

News Source: Bloomberg