Can it really happen?
Apple’s public spat with Qualcomm over patent royalty fees may become a chance for MediaTek, a Taiwanese IC designer, to get its chips inside iPhones.
According to DigiTimes, Apple is reportedly looking for new chip suppliers for the baseband modems it uses with its phones after the firm from Cupertino switched 50% of its orders for iPhone modem chipsets from Qualcomm to Intel in a move to protect itself as its lawsuit escalates againt Qualcomm.
As both parties ramp up their legal battle, Apple wants new players to supply the remaining orders. According to DigiTimes’ source, MediaTek is a candidate to supplying modem chips for the company next year.
Industry watchers note that MediaTek meets three principles that Apple has long followed in determining suppliers for its chip solutions: leading technological competitiveness, comprehensive product blueprints, and reliable logistic support.
If all goes according to plan, MediaTek’s chips may be inside Apple’s next iPhone if the company’s patent spat with Qualcomm worsens.
