Apple may do its own work on 5G antenna for next iPhone

Next-gen 5G mobile is coming to the next iPhone and Apple may be working on its own antenna design and tech, according to new reports by industry insiders.

Apple struck a deal with Qualcomm last year for the tech and licensing of ultrafast 5G tech last year, but a new source claims that the former is annoyed at the amount of ‘royalties’ it may be forced to pay.

The frustration has prompted Apple to look at ways to minimise the amount of Qualcomm parts it uses in the upcoming flagship smartphone, and it is still running the rule over potential internal and external designs.

Renowned insider Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the “order allocation of iPhone 5G is not yet confirmed” in a note last week and said that there was confusion behind the scenes about general supply and components for the new tech.

Kuo previously stated that Avago and Broadcom would design the power amplifier (PA) for the antenna and Win Semi would produce the component, but he revised that prediction on Friday.

He now expects Qorvo and Skyworks to step up in the place Broadcom, which will now focus on supplying mid to high band PA for the models tipped to be released in Q3 or Q4 2020.

The situation could change, but Apple will want to get everything locked down as it targets a production date.

In addition to 5G support, the upcoming ‘iPhone 12’ is expected to pack in other new tech.

Reports point to 3D depth-sensing capabilities for the camera and a new form of Touch ID, which was jettisoned for the iPhone X following the arrival of Face ID.

Consumers will also have smaller 5.4-inch, mid-sized 6.1-inch, and large 6.7-inch models, all with OLED displays, to choose from when the device goes on sale some time later in the year.

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