Apple Extends Qualcomm Wireless Partnership Through 2026

Qualcomm announced that Apple will use its 5G modems in all of the iPhones it launches through 2026, or for three more years.

There was no Apple announcement because Apple has been working to eliminate Qualcomm as a partner since it acquired Intel’s smartphone modem business four years ago for $1 billion. But then, even Qualcomm’s announcement was light on words.

“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,” the announcement reads. “This agreement reinforces Qualcomm’s track record of sustained leadership across 5G technologies and products.”

A related one-page presentation provides a bit more detail.

“The global patent license agreement, effective as of April 2019, remains unchanged,” it notes. “Direct license between Apple and Qualcomm Incorporated: six-year term, with [a] two-year option to extend.” Qualcomm also informs investors that this deal will give it a “20 percent share of chipset supply for the smartphone[s?] launch in 2026.”

And that, folks, is that.