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Apple just sent out the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus a few weeks ago. At the same time, the company is already planning its next phone. Reports say Apple is working with Intel on new chips for the future iPhone.
What is the rumored Intel chip?
Intel is said to be making a new LTE modem chip called the 7360. The chip will help the phone talk to cellular networks. Intel has a team of about 1,000 engineers working on this chip. If the chip is ready, it could replace the Qualcomm 9X45 LTE chip that is in the iPhone 6S today.
How Intel could replace Qualcomm in the iPhone
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich has spoken about LTE chips several times. His comments made people think Apple and Intel are working together. Intel said the new 7360 chip could be ready for customers in 2016. This matches earlier rumors that Apple might use Intel chips again after using Qualcomm for a while.
Recent news in 2026 shows that Apple is still talking with Intel. Headlines from May and June 2026 say Apple is exploring Intel and Samsung for main device chips in the US, and that a preliminary chip‑making agreement has been reached. Some reports even say Apple may buy iPhone and Mac chips from Intel. All of this supports the idea that Intel could replace Qualcomm in future iPhones.
Battery life and chip maker differences
When Apple released the iPhone 6S, it also faced a problem called ChipGate. Some phones had weaker battery life because of the chip inside. Apple later said the difference in battery life between iPhone models is small – only 2‑3%.
The iPhone 6S uses the A9 processor. Two factories make the A9: TSMC and Samsung. Phones with the TSMC‑made A9 chip (model numbers N66MAP and N71MAP) can last a few hours longer than phones with the Samsung‑made chip (model numbers N66AP and N71AP). Tests also show the TSMC chip runs cooler.
If you want to know which chip your phone has, you can use a free app called Lirum Device Info Lite. The app shows the model number, which you can match to the chip maker.
Recent news and agreements between Apple and Intel
In May 2026, Bloomberg reported that Apple is exploring using Intel and Samsung to build main device chips in the United States. The Times of India later said Apple may go back to Intel for its next iPhone chips.
Memeburn wrote on June 20, 2026, that the Apple‑Intel chip deal could affect both iPhones and Macs. The Wall Street Journal added that a preliminary chip‑making agreement was reached on May 8, 2026. MacRumors also said Apple could soon be buying iPhone and Mac chips from its old rival Intel.
Even though Apple announced a return to Intel for its M‑Series chips by 2027, the same sources say the partnership could also bring Intel chips into future iPhones. The Mac Observer noted in December 2025 that a future base iPhone might use an Intel chip again.
All these reports show a clear pattern: Apple is keeping its options open with Intel. The company may use Intel for LTE modems, for the main processor, or for both. This could give Apple more control over supply chains and help it meet U.S. manufacturing goals.
FAQ
Will the next iPhone definitely use an Intel chip?
Apple has not confirmed the final design. Reports say Intel is working on a modem chip and that Apple is discussing chip deals, but the exact parts for the next iPhone are still unknown.
What is the 7360 LTE modem chip?
The 7360 is an Intel‑designed chip that handles 4G LTE connections. It could replace the Qualcomm 9X45 chip used in the iPhone 6S.
How will an Intel modem affect battery life?
Intel says the new modem will be efficient, but real‑world battery life also depends on the main processor, software, and how you use the phone. Past tests show small differences, usually 2‑3%.
Can I check which chip my current iPhone has?
Yes. Download the free app Lirum Device Info Lite from the App Store. It shows your model number, which tells you if the A9 chip is from TSMC or Samsung.
In short, Apple is exploring many options for its next iPhone. Intel’s involvement could bring new LTE modem technology and possibly other chips. The final decision will shape performance, battery life, and where the chips are made.
