New iPhone series to have faster LTE modem: MDM9635M

We are now able to expect what radio feature will be upgraded without watching Apple event thanks to many leaked media sources.

According to 9to5Mac, iPhone 6s will allegedly have faster multimode LTE modem to support more radio features especially Category 6 downlink speed up to 300Mbps.
It is not a surprising news but is meaningful for Apple iPhone hardcore fans because Apple finally seems to change their modem chipset upgrade cycle.

Typically Apple has maintained for two generations using a modem however this case will skip the previous step.

Then let's take a look where it comes from to check new iPhone's modem as below.

Source: 9to5Mac

Qualcomm gobi modem, MDM9635M is shown from leaked board picture.
MDM9635M has been introduced by Galaxy S5 last year however let's just remind what radio features will be supported.

- DC-HSPA, EVDO Rev. B, CDMA 1x, GSM and TD-SCDMA
- Carrier Aggregation Category 6 up to DL 300Mbps
- More radio and CA bands combination
Source: 9to5Mac

New iPhones have now doubled LTE speed and will maximize user experience along with upgraded CPU and RAM size with A9 chip and 2GB ram memory.

Is it enough that we can say it is hugely upgraded for users?
Of course, people will tell and compare with legacy iPhones and Androids when launched in the market.

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.

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.