It is believed that the failure to cancel the Qualcomm patent lawsuit is the reason Apple does not produce 5G modems specifically for the iPhone.
Apple has been looking to develop 5G modems for years to limit its reliance on the world's largest mobile chip company due to its unfavorable relationship with Qualcomm. It even acquired Intel ’s network chip business with the goal of making its own 5G modem for the iPhone 2023. However, last week, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said its ambitions had failed and Qualcomm remained the exclusive iPhone supplier.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple’s inability to include its 5G modem in next year’s iPhone is not due to technical issues, but legal issues related to two Qualcomm patents. Interestingly, these two inventions have nothing to do with connectivity technology, but rather features that allow users to reject calls via text message and app switching interfaces.
Apple’s plans to produce 5G modems didn’t pan out. Photo: Macrumors
Previously, Apple CEO Tim Cook said on CNBC that Qualcomm offers a "no license, no chip" policy but charges too much for its patents. He believes that Qualcomm should provide patent rights on a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory basis. Apple filed a lawsuit seeking to revoke the copyrights of the two inventions, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Apple's claims.
If Apple still makes 5G modems, Qualcomm could sue over the use of two patents. Therefore, Apple has to wait until 2030 when Qualcomm’s copyright expires.
FossPatents expert Florian Mueller says Apple will have to renegotiate with Qualcomm to secure an adequate supply of 5G modems. The company must use 100% Qualcomm 5G modems on iPhone 2023 instead of the 20% originally planned. Apple has also signed a contract to use the U.S. chipmaker's modems until 2025, which can be extended until 2027.
