Apple has decided to extend its deal with Qualcomm to use its modems for iPhones going all the way till 2027. The company had previously signed a 2-year deal that was running out in 2025 but the new announcement was confirmed by the chip giant this week.
The new deal means Apple can use Qualcomm’s modem for iPhone models till March, 2027. The news hardly comes as a surprise with a recent development suggesting Apple’s plans for its in-house modem has been delayed for a few years.
Apple was initially hoping to introduce the 5G modem in 2024 which was then pushed to 2025, expecting to launch it with the next iPhone SE model but even those plans look unrealistic now. Some of you might remember that Apple acquired Intel’s modem chip business a few years back, which was going to be the platform on which the company was going to make its own iPhone modem.
However, Apple has been forced to rewrite the Intel code after facing some issues with its integration which has seemingly delayed its use for iPhone production. Then it is also important that Apple doesn’t infringe patents of Qualcomm to avoid further legal complications.
Apple’s delayed plans for the modem will keep Qualcomm happy for another few years, even though it realises the impact of losing the iPhone maker once the modem does come to fruition. Apple has made huge transitions with silicone over the years and done it successfully. We’ve had the A-series chips powering iPhones and iPads for years.
The company then decided to part ways with Intel and make its own M-series silicone that has completely overhauled the Mac and iMac lineup. Apple’s close control on hardware has ensured the performance levels never flatter to deceive but the company will only do that with the iPhone modem once it is fully satisfied with its results.
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