Recently it was confirmed that Apple is using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X55 modem in its new iPhones. There is the question of how long Apple plans to keep using Qualcomm’s tech? After all, the company did acquire Intel’s modem business for a good reason, so how long will Apple continue relying on Qualcomm for components?
Turns out it could be a while. According to the settlement filing between Apple and Qualcomm, it has been revealed that Apple will continue to turn to Qualcomm for its 5G modems until at least 2023. The document claims that this is part of the agreement between both companies, where Apple will have to use Qualcomm’s tech for the next few years.
It is possible that Apple might continue to source from Qualcomm even after 2023, but we suppose that depends on how far along they’ve come along in their development of their own modem. Acquiring Intel’s modem business no doubt helped the company along in their development, but since we’re not privy to Apple’s operations, we’re not sure how far along Apple has come in its own development.
In any case, there’s nothing wrong with using Qualcomm’s modems. The company’s modems have found their way to many a 5G Android smartphone without any issues, so as long as it continues to work as intended, we suppose as end users, it shouldn’t matter.
Filed in . Read more about 5G, iPhone and Qualcomm. Source: gsmarena