Qualcomm trial: without them, no iPhone and variable cost licenses which Apple obviously does not like!

Since 2017, Qualcomm, one of Apple's major suppliers for the iPhone and iPad, and in particular their modem chip, has beenin lawsuit with the apple firm. The mobile chip specialist was notably accused by the Cupertino company of anti-competitive practices.

Along with the ban on the sale of certain iPhone models in China and Germany, the main trial in the United States is still continuing. Qualcomm has notably just presented its defense, which showsthe importance of patentsheld by them, but also whytheir licensing system does not please Apple at all.

Qualcomm in its defense claims that without themthere would be no smartphones and therefore no iPhone. Since they all use CDMA technology in the modem chip, a key component of cellular data.

To be able to use CDMA communication technology which is necessary in modern smartphones. Smartphone manufacturers must fulfilllicensing rights to Qualcomm.

There is howevertwo blocking pointst, including one that Apple doesn't particularly like. The first is that Apple and all other manufacturers must pay these rights to Qualcomm, even if they source their chips from them.

So there isa double taxupon purchase of the chip and a separate license fee for the use of the technology in question.

The second point that Apple does not like at all is that oflicense price which increases depending on the price of the terminal. We understand why this greatly displeases Apple, withthe evolution of the price of the iPhone in recent years.

These two points led the Apple firm and several other smartphone manufacturers in 2017 toaccuse Qualcomm of anti-competitive practicesand abusive, concerning the use of its patents.

Source

Deputy editor-in-chief, also known under the pseudonym Teza. Former video games journalist, who has been immersed in technology and Apple products since his very first iPhone 3GS in 2009. He has since worked for several American tech sites and now for iPhon.fr. Incidentally YouTuber and Apple product specialist on the MobileAddict channel. To contact me: maxime[a]iphon.fr