Qualcomm’s newest cellular modem may be limited to this year’s iPhone 16 Pro models, according to technology analyst Jeff Pu.

In a research note published today by investment firm Haitong International Securities, Pu confirmed his belief that the iPhone 16 Pro models will be equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 modem. However, it is expected that the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will retain the Snapdragon X70 modem found in all iPhone 15 models. The modem difference between the standard models and Pro models will be a change in Apple’s strategy.

Announced in February 2023, the Snapdragon X75 features improved carrier aggregation and other technological improvements for faster download and transfer speeds over 5G compared to the X70. According to this BorderThe combined mmWave transceiver and 5G subtransceiver in the modem takes up 25% less space on the printed circuit board and consumes up to 20% less power.

Snapdragon 5G Advanced will include artificial intelligence and machine learning enhancements to improve 5G performance and extend 5G to additional device types and use cases.

Apple will likely advertise 5G Advanced support on the iPhone 16 Pro models, just as it did with LTE Advanced on the iPhone 6s in 2015.

Apple has been rumored to be working on its own 5G modem for the iPhone since 2018, but the project has reportedly run into development issues and the modem isn’t expected to be announced until 2025, or later if it arrives. Meanwhile, Apple extended its 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm until 2026.