让我们先确认下，苹果真的会用英特尔的基带芯片吗

revenue strategy to modems, Apple's decision to buy Intel modems makes a lot of sense. The move would simultaneously reduce production costs, boost margins, and possibly pressure Qualcomm to offer Apple more favorable prices. However, that certainly isn't great for Intel, and suggests that Pajjuri's forecast for 1.5% to 2% revenue and earnings growth could be too optimistic.

Could a foundry deal be in the works?
Another reason for Apple to strengthen its relationship with Intel is access to its foundry, which Qualcomm lacks. Apple currently relies on TSMC (NYSE:TSM) and Samsung's foundries to fabricate its A-series chips. However, complaints that TSMC's A9 processors were more power efficient than Samsung's reportedly forced Apple to shift all A10 orders to TSMC instead.

Since Apple doesn't like depending on a single supplier like Qualcomm, it would be logical for Apple to split A-series fabrication between TSMC and Intel. Looking ahead, some analysts expect Apple to merge the A-series chip and LTE modem in a single SoC. If Apple doesn't want to develop its own modem from scratch, it could license the IP from Intel and source the fabrication to its foundry in an exclusive deal. Samsung recently secured a comparable foundry deal with Qualcomm in exchange for installing its Snapdragon 820 processors in its new flagship devices.

Let's not jump to conclusions
Although a potential deal with Apple sounds like good news for Intel investors, they shouldn't jump to conclusions. Neither company has made official announcements regarding the partnership, and contra revenues could be playing a part in this deal. Even if Apple pays full price for Intel modems, a 1% to 2% bump in earnings won't likely offset the chipmaker's ongoing declines in PC sales and slowing demand for data center chips.