After producing the iPhone 7 series to the X model, Apple used two models, Qualcomm and Intel Modem
Newest iPhone models exclusively use Intel modems!
First up, all iPhone 11 models (11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max) and all iPhone XS/XR models include LTE modems from Intel rather than Qualcomm.
And the new iPhone SE (second generation introduced in 2020) also includes Intel modems.
Older iPhone models include Intel AND Qualcomm modems
Using the iPhone X as an example, there are actually three variants of the smartphone available — and that isn’t including different colors or storage configurations. In fact, which variant you have has to do with the carrier that you purchased your iPhone through.
The reason different carriers get different modems stems from the fact that there are two leading cellular broadband standards: CDMA and GSM.
- iPhone X Model A1865 – This model of iPhone uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X16 LTE modem for CDMA networks, such as Verizon and Sprint.
- iPhone X Model A1902 – This iPhone X also uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon X16 LTE modem, but is only sold in Japan.
- iPhone X Model A1901 – This model uses Intel’s XMM 7480 modem — which is GSM-based. As such, it’s the iPhone model you’ll get if you bought your device through AT&T or T-Mobile.
There are two ways to identify them, one is the name of the model, the other is the shape of the ICs used on the motherboard, which you will see in the pictures below. One of the main differences is the type and shape of the Baseband IC, to see which you must remove the shield or upstairs, which may damage the device. There are other recognizable differences that are better to use. (It is interesting to know that most Intel series ICs are rectangular and in Qualcomm are square, which is recognizable)
IPhone X
iPhone X ( A1901 ) = XMM 7480 Intel
iPhone X ( A1902 ) = Snapdragon X16 LTE
iPhone X ( A1865 ) = Snapdragon X16 LTE
IPhone 8 and 8 Plus:
iPhone 8 ( A1905 ) = XMM 7480 Intel
iPhone 8 ( A1897 ) = XMM 7480 Intel
iPhone 8 ( A1864 ) = Snapdragon X16 LTE
iPhone 8 ( A1863 ) = Snapdragon X16 LTE
IPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
iPhone 7 ( A1660 ) = Snapdragon
iPhone 7 ( A1661 ) = Snapdragon
iPhone 7 ( A1778 ) = Intel
iPhone 7 ( A1784 ) = Intel
