5G-enabled iPhones and iPads to use mmWave technology

Apple is yet to enter the 5G world, and reports are we will finally see some devices with the next-gen connectivity this year. Now a new rumor has it that Taiwanese company ASE (Advanced Semiconductor Engineering) has joined the supply chain for Apple and will manufacture the mmWave-based modules.

Industry insiders reveal that Apple’s roadmap includes at least one 5G iPad and 5G iPhone in 2020, but the company is yet to determine the provider of the technology.

The difference between mmWave and Sub-6 GHz technology is that the first one allows for faster data transmission but has much worse coverage. It's unclear if Apple plans on supporting both standards or just mmWave.

ASE is competing with TSMC for the Apple contract, but they are using a different technology. ASE is relying on FC_AiP (flip-chip antenna-in-package) technology that is cheaper, but uses bigger modules than the competing InFO_AiP technology.

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