Ming-Chi Kuo reveals that the iPhone 5G coming in 2020 will have a modem capable of ultra-high performance. However, there might be problems with the stock
Apple will introduce its iPhone 5G next year, but it might have some problems resulting from the use of LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) circuits due to the possible scarcity of such circuits on the market.
The well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, already known for his in-depth knowledge of the Cupertino company's supply chain and for several correct predictions, is convinced of this. According to Kuo the iPhone 5G will make use of LCP circuits for the 5G antennas, because this type of circuits works very well even at high temperatures minimizing signal losses. This technology is not new: it has been used by Apple since 2017, on the iPhone X. The good news for Apple fans, however, is that the 5G modem of the new iPhones will have excellent technical characteristics being compatible with the most efficient, performing and stable frequencies.
Apple iPhone 5G: Millimeter Waves and Sub-6
The 5G compartment of Apple's future iPhone will be top-notch, according to Kuo. In fact, future smartphones from the bitten apple will be compatible with both millimeter waves above 24 GHz (the so-called "mmWave") and frequency bands below 6 GHz (the so-called 5G "Sub-6"). In this way, 5G iPhones will have a high-performance connection in areas rich in repeaters and stable in areas less covered by the signal. The lower the frequency of radio waves used for transmissions, in fact, the greater the distance covered by the signal. But the higher the frequency, on the other hand, the higher the performance. A 5G modem that is compatible with both the high and low end of the spectrum, therefore, can work well almost anywhere there is a signal.
iPhone 5G: the LCP problem
The big challenge for Apple will be to find sufficient LCP circuits on the market. Explains Kuo "The biggest challenge for Apple's procurement strategy in 2020 will be finding new suppliers of LPC circuits beyond Morata that can offer massive, stable supplies." Today, in fact, Apple only buys these circuits from Morata and has no problem with it. But next year it will need a lot more because 5G iPhones, according to Kuo, will weigh in at 15-20% of sales and decrease sales of other models that don't use this technology, such as the iPhone Xr. Finally, also next year, an Apple smartphone that doesn't use LCP technology will come off the market: the iPhone 7.