Intel Corp (INTC)

[Koog]

The Intel chip doesn't support CDMA so it won't work with Verizon and Sprint. If you buy an iPhone from AT&T or T-Mobile, it will come with the Intel modem and you won't be able to switch to Verizon or Sprint. So getting an iPhone with the Qualcomm chip will give you the most carrier-flexibility.

This is true. It begs the question, for me, why did Apple add the Intel modem to the mix? Sure, it moves from a "single source" (so to speak) but the Intel and Qualcomm modems aren't compatible. Further, from what I have read, the Qualcomm modem performs better than the Intel modem in non-CDMA use.

So Qualcomm performs better. Qualcomm covers all carriers. Intel is lower performing and doesn't support CDMA. Is Intel giving these modems away in an offer Apple couldn't refuse? It further complicates Apples BOM and supply chain management and creates additional SKU's to manage so that would have to be factored into the cost.

Or is this a "trial" for Intel to pass to get more of the Apple business?

Doesn't add up. There has to be more to this than meets the eye.