Earlier today, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple plans to use their own 5G modem for iPhones starting in 2025. Kuo previously stated that the 4th Generation iPhone SE would be among the first devices to receive the new modem, but since mass-production was delayed until 2025 as reported in July, and due to the conflicting rumors surrounding the phone, it is not yet clear if that is still the case.
It has been reported that Apple has been working on their own modem since at least 2017 when Apple sued Qualcomm for over $1 billion, accusing them of anti-competitive practices, but they have since settled the case and dropped all litigation in 2019, agreeing to a 6-year license agreement, including a 2 year extension period if needed.
Also in 2019, Apple acquired approximately 2,200 employees from Intel for $1 billion. The acquisition granted Apple more than 17,000 patents for wireless technology, which includes standard protocols and modem architecture.
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