iPhone 7: Apple to ditch Qualcomm for Intel chips in some versions of phone

Intel might score a major win in smartphone market

The iPhone 7 will ditch Qualcomm's LTE modem chips for Intel's in some versions of the phone, according to reports.

The move, which if true would give Intel its first significant win in the mobile space, will apparently see Apple using Intel modem chips for the iPhone used on AT&T's network in the US and some other versions of the smartphone for overseas markets.

The story comes from Bloomberg, which is apparently familiar with the company's plans. The sources also said that iPhone models on the Verizon network will retain some internal parts from Qualcomm.

Speculation emerged in October last year claiming that Intel had a 1,000-strong team working to ensure that the 7360 LTE modem chip makes its way into the iPhone 7, ousting the Qualcomm 9X45 LTE chip used in the iPhone 6S.

This would be a big deal for Intel, which has struggled to gain traction in the mobile market. Earlier this year, the firm poached Dr Venkata 'Murthy' Renduchintala from Qualcomm in a bid to boost its position in the market, but weeks later announced that it was cancelling its upcoming Atom smartphone chips.

An Intel spokesperson said that the company does not comment on rumours, and Apple has yet to comment.

This, unsurprisingly, is not all we know about the so-called iPhone 7. Set to launch in September, the handset will reportedly feature a subtle redesign compared with the iPhone 6S, with added waterproofing and no 3.5mm headphone jack. There is also talk of an improved camera, bigger battery, 3GB of RAM and wireless charging.

The iPhone 7 will also no doubt ship with iOS 10, which will debut at Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference later today.