Analyst: Qualcomm to Be Chip Supplier For Verizon iPhone
Posted 01/07/2010 at 8:28am
| by Matthew Tilmann
The folks over at The Street have learned that Apple has chosen Qualcomm as the chip supplier for a new version of the iPhone headed for Verizon this summer. Northeast Securities Analyst Ashok Kumar confirmed the decision with manufacturers and suppliers that are involved with the phone.
It'll certainly prove to be another possible big win for the chip maker, since Google's Nexus One phone, made by HTC, is being powered by the company's Snapdragon chip.
Apple reps weren't immediately available for comment, and a Qualcomm rep stated that "nothing has been disclosed yet."
The technology won't involve the Snapdragon platform, but rather a 3G wireless technology chip for EV-DO, according to Kumar.
Originally Apple was seeking a chip that would enable it to sell a world phone, compatible with GSM and CDMA. However, Qualcomm and others were not up to the task in doing so, and Qualcomm was chosen for the Verizon iPhone instead. The Verizon version is to arrive soon after AT&T's exclusive contract with Apple reportedly runs out in June.