Apple may not be able to add gigabit data speeds to it upcoming iPhones, as both its modem suppliers - Qualcomm and Intel - may not be able to provide their components in time.
Qualcomm sells a modem capable of the 1 gigabit download speeds. Intel currently is working on a modem with the same capability, but it won't be ready for the iPhone's introduction, according to Bloomberg.
Apple could just use Qualcomm's chips, but it has an aversion to being dependent on a single supplier, and its relationship with San Diego-based Qualcomm is thorny. Apple is embroiled in a legal fight with the chipmaker, accusing the supplier of maintaining an illegal monopoly, and it's seeking to loosen Qualcomm's grip on the market for high-end smartphone modems.
Verizon, AT&T and the rest of the U.S. wireless industry have already upgraded their network in order to offer data download speeds that reach the 1Gbps.
But that may eventually not be the case for Apple's newest iPhones, devices to go on sale later this year.
Apple, Qualcomm and Intel declined to comment.
Samsung Electronic's Galaxy S8, the main rival to the next iPhones, has Qualcomm's X16 LTE modem and will keep up with the top speeds of the major wireless networks. Sprint sells the gigabit-ready HTC U11 and will have a Motorola Gigabit LTE phone later this year.
