iPhone 15 lineup using Qualcomm X70 5G chip for improved internet performance

Teardown specialist, iFixit revealed that the new iPhone 15 series uses using Qualcomm X70 baseband for better 5G network performance.

iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari wrote on X (formerly Twitter) “Apple didn’t just throw last year’s Pro logic boards into this year’s baseline models. They upgraded them too.”

It means that the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max all are using Qualcomm X70 5G modem. This actually continues Apple’s approach last year, when all iPhone 14 series used the same Qualcomm’s X65 modem.

A lot of people have asked whether the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are still using last years Qualcomm X65 modem or the new X70 seen in the 15 Pro’s.

Here’s your answer.

Apple didn’t just throw last years Pro logic boards into this years baseline models. They upgraded them too. pic.twitter.com/cPB6LJbaFG

— Shahram Mokhtari (@MokhtariShahram) October 8, 2023

Internet speed benchmark test shows that Qualcomm’s X70 modem brings a big boost to the iPhone 15’s 5G performance. According to these data, iPhone 15 has a 24% increase in 5G speed compared to the iPhone 14 series. In the US, the new iPhone saw a major difference in performance on models locked on the Verizon network. Similar effects have also appeared followed by T-Mobile and AT&T.

Interestingly, the iPhone 15’s X70 modem can also reduce power consumption, improve 5G carrier aggregation capabilities, and improve performance when the iPhone is farther from a base station.

Before the iPhone 15 launch, reports suggested that Apple was developing its own 5G model. However, the company recently renewed its licensing with Qualcomm, which confirmed business continuation with the chip maker at least until 2026.