Sunday, February 22, 2015

iPhone 6s/7 maintaining same modem introduced by iPhone 6/6+ again?

Apple is known as one of most conservative companies to introduce new radio technologies especially LTE modem so far.

We have observed how Apple has introduced modem chipsets since they launched iPhone  but have focused on user interface and other innovative services like App store, finger print and so on.

Today I want to highlight Apple will do insist again using second usage same with iPhone 6 modem chip which is Qualcomm MDM9625M.




Image source: idownloadblog 

Take a look previous Apple iPhone radio technologies introduced as below.

iPhone 5   : Qualcomm MDM9615M
iPhone 5s : Qualcomm MDM9615M
iPhone 6   : Qualcomm MDM9525M 
iPhone 6+ : Qualcomm MDM9625M

And below mainboard shows iPhone 6 plus teardown.
Image #1





  • Apple A8 APL1011 SoC + Elpida 1 GB LPDDR3 RAM (as denoted by the markings EDF8164A3PM-GD-F)
  • Qualcomm MDM9625M LTE Modem
  • Skyworks 77802-23 Low Band LTE PAD
  • Avago A8020 High Band PAD
  • Avago A8010 Ultra High Band PA + FBARs
  • TriQuint TQF6410 3G EDGE Power Amplifier Module
  • InvenSense MP67B 6-axis Gyroscope and Accelerometer Combo
  • Source: ifixit


    Then iPhone 6s or iPhone 7?

    Apple doesn't seem to choose a major upgrade with faster and latest LTE modem chipset in a hurry because Apple is truly the world class and biggest Smartphone maker as of now by focusing software quality.
    However it's a bit pity for Apple cares less about gaps between Rel 9 for Apple and Rel 10,11,12 for Android because latest release can bring better quality of network experience for users many cases.