Apple Renews Qualcomm Deal Signaling That Its 5G Modem Is Not Yet Ready

Apple has renewed its deal with Qualcomm in a move that likely signals its 5G modem is not yet ready for production.

In a statement today, Qualcomm said that it will supply its 5G modem for iPhone launches in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Apple Inc. to supply Snapdragon 5G Modem‑RF Systems for smartphone launches in 2024, 2025 and 2026. This agreement reinforces Qualcomm's track record of sustained leadership across 5G technologies and products.


Qualcomm estimates that it will only supply 20% of the chipsets for the iPhone launch in 2026. This could indicate that Apple will begin to release its own modem chip that year. Although, a recent report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple will begin the transition to its own chip in 2025.

Designing a 5G modem chip has likely proven more difficult than Apple expected. The company acquired Intel's 5G modem business back in 2019, but has yet to introduce an in-house chip to any of its devices.

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