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AT&T & T-Mobile versions of iPhone 7 likely using Intel modem incompatible with Sprint & Verizon

The iPhone 7 models Apple is selling for AT&T and T-Mobile customers don't support Sprint and Verizon, likely because some of them use an Intel modem that doesn't work with CDMA networks, a report noted on Friday.

Apple is probably trying to diversify its modem suppliers, resulting in the fractured model lineup, sources told Recode. By using multiple suppliers for a part, Apple can hold the upper hand in price negotiations and keep up its profits.

While Sprint and Verizon iPhones are thought to be using a Qualcomm modem capable of both GSM and CDMA connections, the AT&T and T-Mobile production run(s) may have a mix of Intel and Qualcomm chips, Recode suggested. To date, Qualcomm has been Apple's exclusive modem supplier.

Intel has been rumored as joining the iPhone supply chain in this manner for a while. The company's ambitions are thought to be even bigger though, such that it could start building A-series processors for Apple in 2018.

For customers the modem change is a step backwards. Americans buying the iPhone 6s, for example, are able to unlock the device and use it on any carrier in the country. There may be drawbacks for Apple as well, given the fact that it has to tailor its production, distribution, and inventory even more carefully than usual.



41 Comments

Soli 10 Years · 9981 comments

I'm looking forward to the teardowns and performance reviews between the Intel and Qualcomm chips. Hopefully we'll be able to get power usage data, too.

chadbag 14 Years · 2029 comments

if true it is similar to iPhone 6 and earlier where the iPhone 6 had separate versions for CDMA networks.  The 6S unified them. 

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
emoeller 18 Years · 591 comments

So it appears that all iPhone 7's have GSM ( see:  http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/ )

That implies that an unlocked Verizon phone will have both GSM and CDMA, but an unlocked AT&T phone may have only GSM and no CDMA....

Additional info from Apple:

Are there differences between an iPhone for AT&T or T-Mobile and an iPhone for Sprint or Verizon Wireless?
iPhone offers the same innovative features regardless of the wireless carrier you choose. If you choose AT&T or T-Mobile as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use 3G cellular technology for voice services and either 3G or 4G LTE cellular technology for data services. iPhone can roam internationally on many GSM carriers around the world. If you buy iPhone with AT&T or T-Mobile, it will not work on Sprint or Verizon Wireless.

If you choose Sprint or Verizon Wireless as your wireless carrier, your iPhone will use CDMA cellular technology for voice and data services. If you buy an unlocked iPhone with Verizon or Sprint, it will work on AT&T or T-Mobile. An iPhone activated on Sprint or Verizon Wireless also has the ability to roam internationally on GSM networks. For details on LTE network support, please see www.apple.com/iphone/LTE.

5 Likes · 0 Dislikes
sergioz 13 Years · 338 comments

Model A1778* 
Model A1784*

Models A1778 and A1784 do not support CDMA networks, such as those used by Verizon and Sprint.

Model A1660* 

Model A1661*

Support all networks!

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
pigybank 18 Years · 178 comments

As a T Mobile customer who is more than satisfied, I have no intention of ever using my phone with a CDMA network. 

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes