Apple Extends Agreement to Use Qualcomm Modems for Two More Years

Apple has extended its global patent license agreement with Qualcomm for an additional two years.

Qualcomm announced the extension in an earnings call today...

First, Apple exercised its unilateral option to extend its global patent license agreement for an additional two years, taking the existing agreement through to March 2027. Second, we have renewed long-term agreements with two significant Chinese smartphone OEMs. In addition, we continue to negotiate new agreements or renewals with other key licensees and OEMs, including some whose current agreements are set to expire in early fiscal 2025.


Apple has struggled in its effort to produce a 5G modem that could replace Qualcomm's modem chip for the iPhone, despite acquiring Intel's modem assets back in 2019. Recent reports claim the company will miss its goal of shipping a modem by spring 2025, postponing its release until the end of 2025 or even early 2026.

As expected, Qualcomm indicates that the iPhone 16 will use its modem when launched this fall. While it didn't specify which modem model would be used, it's likely the new SnapDragon X75 5G.

We do have some significant launches through the middle of the year, but obviously the next big launch goes into the holiday season, starting with Apple and then going into the Android launches.

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