If Apple has bought Intel's patents and divisions on the creation of 5G modems, the Apple brand does not intend to use them immediately on its phones. Indeed, the Cupertino company had been at odds with the Californian company Qualcomm for several years, the latter accusing Apple of using its patents without paying the price. The two firms ran straight to trial before, miraculously, Qualcomm won the contract for 5G modems for iPhone 12 and future until 2023. The firm obviously abandoned the proceedings once the contract was signed.
Within the latter, we learn for example that the agreement between the two companies must last until 2024. Once this date has passed, Apple will have the choice of always using Qualcomm technologies (which should be at its X70 or x75) or launched on the 100% Apple modem market on the iPhone 16.
A win-win partnership?
The 5G modem is one of the last parts of the phone that Apple doesn't have control over. In this sense, Qualcomm only seems to be a short-term ally for the Cupertino company. The latter avoids a lawsuit which could have harmed Apple's image, and at the same time it offers a partnership with a recognized company, which offers very good quality products.
On the Qualcomm side, this deal also delights everyone. It prevents the company from entering into a long trial, with an uncertain outcome and completely unknown marketing consequences. In addition, this allows the company to fill its address book with a prestigious client like Apple.
