All articles tagged with #modems
Qualcomm has announced the renewal of its global patent licensing agreement with Apple, effective April 1, 2027. This extension is distinct from the separate agreement for cellular modem supply, which is set to expire in 2026. Apple continues its transition to custom-designed modems, with only the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max currently using Qualcomm chips.
Apple is expected to switch the iPhone 18 lineup to Apple-designed modems, phasing out Qualcomm and boosting efficiency. A privacy benefit accompanies the transition: iOS 26.3 adds Limit Precise Location, which restricts carrier location data to neighborhoods rather than street-level addresses; the setting currently exists on devices with Apple’s C1/C1X modems and is likely to expand to iPhone 18 Pro and Fold as Apple’s modem strategy broadens, though carrier support varies by country and does not affect Location Services or emergency location accuracy.
Qualcomm has reached an agreement to continue selling modems to Apple, providing some relief from concerns over the loss of their largest customer. Apple had previously avoided using Qualcomm modems and settled a lawsuit with the company in 2019. There were rumors that Apple planned to build its own modem, which were confirmed when they purchased Intel's modem business. Qualcomm had anticipated losing Apple as a customer starting with the 2024 iPhone, but now expects Apple to have its own modem no earlier than the 2027 iPhone. There is potential for Apple and Qualcomm to mend their relationship in the future.
Qualcomm has announced a new deal with Apple to supply modem chips for iPhones until 2026, indicating that Apple's efforts to develop its own chips are progressing slower than expected. Qualcomm's stock surged by about 4% following the announcement. While Apple has been working on its own systems since acquiring Intel's smartphone-modem business in 2019, the target date for implementing its own connectivity chip sets has been continuously delayed. Qualcomm expects to have a 20% share of modems in the 2026 iPhone models, suggesting that Apple may begin installing its own modems by then. The deal is seen as a positive sign for Qualcomm's stock and its technological leadership in the space.