Qualcomm Leads Surging Slim Market on iPhone 12 Shift

The global slim modem market for smartphones and tablets grew 72% to $5.8 billion last year, led by Qualcomm with 56% share, said Strategy Analytics Wednesday. Qualcomm’s shipments grew 377% with the X55 5G slim modem in the iPhone 12 series and multiple Android devices. Intel shipments declined 23% on Apple’s shift to Qualcomm; the iPhone 11 series and SE 2020 drove Intel's shipments in the category. SA expects slim modem vendors, also including MediaTek and Samsung, to target more applications in cellular IoT, automotive, connected PCs, fixed wireless access and mobile broadband segments in the next few quarters.