News

Apple ditches Intel’s 5G modem chips for 2020 iPhones

Potentially looking at MediaTek for a replacement

Published

July 6, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

From Intel’s chips to Samsung’s screens, Apple has made a name for itself by using components from other brands. Unlike its competitors, Apple’s devices rely heavily on third-party sources.

Realizing their over-reliance on other brands, Apple is taking steps to more carefully source their devices. Recently, the company has reportedly sought other sources (like LG) for its iPhone screens.

Now, further reports hint that Apple is also done with Intel as a source for its devices’ modems.

Currently, Intel remains as Apple’s main source for LTE modems through 2019. In fact, by the end of their current contract, Intel will be providing 100 percent of Apple’s modems.

Apple’s change of heart falls on its batch of phones in 2020. By then, the company hopes to out its first 5G-compatible phone. Prior to today, Intel has already pledged their support to develop a 5G chip for Apple.

However, recent reports state that Apple is ditching Intel as a source for 5G modems. As such, Intel has also ceased its development of all 5G modems since Apple is (or was) its main customer.

Apple has not commented on the move yet. And yet, it coincides with Apple’s current push to reduce monopolies over their devices. With their over-reliance on Intel, the modem maker could potentially dictate high prices for components. Apple’s move ensures a more flexible plan going forward.

As for where Apple is going next, another source has pointed towards MediaTek as a potential source. The report poses an interesting option for Apple. As of now, MediaTek already has an announced 5G chip in the works, the Helio M70. If and when either company announces their partnership, this places Apple at the forefront of 5G technology, potentially launching a 5G-comaptible phone before anyone else.

Of course, much can still change before then. Apple could still source its chips from other companies such as Qualcomm (unlikely, considering their legal troubles). In fact, another option lies in developing 5G chips themselves.

Whatever happens, the future of 5G potentially hinges on Apple’s decision.

Related Topics:5G Apple Intel MediaTek Qualcomm

Accessories

Apple is reportedly working on its own gaming controllers

It might launch under the Beats brand.

Published

September 14, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Last week, the iPhone Duo changed how you look at the ubiquitous smartphone. Foldables are in, and Apple is right there with it. But the company isn’t stopping with the foldable segment. Apple is reportedly working on its own branded game controllers.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on a controller since last year. Further, a piece of code linked to macOS 27.4, spotted by MacRumors, includes references to two unknown gaming controllers.

Because Apple just concluded its huge event this month, it will likely be a while before we see confirmation of this controller. And it could be anything. Of course, because the Duo is fresh on our minds, the easiest answer is a mobile controller than can maximize the foldable’s ability to stand by itself. It could also use Apple’s larger screens like the iPad, the MacBook, or the Mac. Some even speculate that this could be Apple’s stronger push into the gaming market.

Outside of the actual hardware, the reports are also claiming that the controller will arrive by way of Beats, rather than from Apple itself. At first, the branding comes off as a surprise, but then again, Beats hasn’t really evolved past an audio brand in a long, long time. Is it time to revitalize Beats as something more than just a peddler of headphones?

SEE ALSO: First Look: Apple iPhone Duo

Gaming

Xbox saves Kojima’s PHYSINT after PlayStation drops support

PlayStation says the separation was mutual, but Kojima hints otherwise.

Published

September 11, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Things aren’t going well in the PlayStation camp. After two months of frankly questionable decisions, the company adds another to the pile by dropping support for Hideo Kojima’s PHYSINT.

For a while now, Kojima and PlayStation were in a very productive relationship with the Death Stranding duology, a critically acclaimed collection of titles for the platform. When things looked like they were going well, Kojima announced PHYSINT, an espionage-themed game which reminded fans way too much of Metal Gear Solid.

If you were investing in a PlayStation 5 to play Kojima’s latest thriller, you might want to move your chips elsewhere now. PlayStation has just dropped support for the espionage game, meaning PHYSINT will no longer be a first-party title for the platform.

Though PlayStation claims that the decision came after “careful consideration,” Kojima himself has said that the move was “unexpected,” going against PlayStation’s assurance of a mutual separation.

Very quickly, Xbox has announced that their platform will support PHYSINT instead. It’s a big get for the competing brand because Xbox Game Studios is already supporting OD, Kojima’s other upcoming horror project starring Sophia Lillis.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say more. As is tradition, Kojima will not explain much more about his upcoming titles. In fact, OD’s trailer barely says anything. One thing’s for sure, though: we’re all in for quite a ride.

Entertainment

PH to celebrate 1st ever National Cinema Day; movies start at less than $2

Watch a movie on September 12 for a fraction of the cost

Published

September 10, 2026

GadgetMatch

The Philippines will be celebrating its first ever National Cinema Day on September 12. On this day, movie tickets will go for as low as PhP 100 (US$ 1.60) at regular 2D cinemas.

The campaign aims to make moviegoing more accessible to audiences. This includes families, friends, students, and cinephiles in general.

Such initiative has been a staple in other countries, like the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The same concept applies, with movie tickets going on sale for a lot less.

What’s great about the celebration is that all movies scheduled for exhibition on September 12, whether local or international, shall get the special admission price.

Advanced tickets sales have already begun. Customers can purchase through participating box offices, official websites, mobile apps, and authorized platforms.

Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to theater capacity. Prices vary for other viewing formats like Director’s Club or IMAX, for instance.

The campaign is organized by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines (CEAP), along with industry and government partners.

The initiative is supported by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), and the Metro Manila Film Festival through the MMDA.

Participating cinemas include Ayala Malls Cinemas, SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, CityMall Cinema, Megaworld Cinemas, and more.