iPhone 16 Pro may feature 5.5G connectivity

According to technology analyst Jeff Pu of research firm Haitong International Securities, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will be equipped with Qualcomm's latest mobile modem, the Snapdragon X75, which supports faster and more energy-efficient 5G connectivity.

Currently, the iPhone 15 series uses the Snapdragon X70, and this modem is expected to be present on the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. The two high-end Pro models will integrate the new generation X75 modem, launched in February with new technology to improve signal reception and increase 5G transmission speed faster than the X70.

According toThe Verge, Qualcomm's new modem is 25% smaller and 20% more power efficient than the previous generation. The X75 also supports the 5G Advanced (5G-A) standard, also known as 5.5G - the next stage of 5G before moving to 6G.

5.5G includes AI and machine learning enhancements to improve connectivity performance. Apple is expected to promote 5G Advanced on the iPhone 16 Pro, just as it did on the iPhone 6s with LTE Advanced in 2015.

In addition, Apple has been developing its own 5G modem since 2018, but the project has encountered many difficulties and is likely to be commercialized by 2025. Therefore, Apple has to extend its contract to buy 5G modems with Qualcomm until 2026.

In addition to the improved 5G modem, according to Jeff Pu, the iPhone 16 generation will be equipped with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and an upgraded ultra-wide-angle camera, but has not provided details about this upgrade.

iPhone 16 is expected to be announced by Apple in September 2024.