Intel has succeeded in securing orders for 30% to 40% of the iPhone 7 modem chips, according to CLSA. A Twitter profile by the name of Notable Calls quoted CLSA’s note to investors, which states that 30% to 40% of Apple’s next-generation iPhone 7’s modem business has gone to Intel. CLSA’s comments are based on Asian supply chain checks.
A big win for Intel?
Until recently, the chips Apple used in its iPhones came from Qualcomm, but it now appears that Intel has got an opportunity to take a bite out of it. Intel has a great opportunity to make $1 billion in revenue as a result of its new partnership with Apple, stated Notable Calls.
In November, CLSA reported that Intel’s modem chips lacked CDMA, and this is why the chip maker lost out on iPhone 7 orders. It also said that the weak PC market was a barrier to Intel’s growth. It now appears that Intel has made a good response to the stagnating PC market and hence has diversified its product line.
Also CLSA analyst Srini Pajjuri downgraded Intel’s stock to Sell in November. Following the company’s analyst day, it was concluded that the chip maker would be affected by flat growth in PC sales, but in reality, its PC unit sales went up 15%.
Nothing to celebrate so far
If Intel is really able to win a chunk of Apple’s iPhone 7 business, not only would it boost the morale of Intel’s management, it would also bring in much-needed revenue for its mobile business. Qualcomm might also face issues securing orders for chips from Apple if Intel’s chips perform better.
But we will have to wait and watch to see if this turns into reality as previously there have been reports of Intel winning iPhone orders. Northland Capital claimed that the chip maker won 50% of the iPhone 6s/6s Plus modem business, but eventually this turned out to be just a rumor.
Separately, Taiwan Semi-conductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC) is said to be doubling its capacity for orders of Apple’s 16-nanometer A10 chips, which will power the iPhone 7. So you never know whether Apple will trust Intel, Qualcomm or TSMC.
On Thursday, Intel shares closed up 0.13% at $30.58. Year to date, the stock is down over 11% while in the last one-year, it is down over 8%.
