Apple & Qualcomm: The 5G Power‑Play Until 2026
Spill alert: A fresh report reveals that Qualcomm will stay in Apple’s corner for 5G modems all the way up to 2026, even as Apple eyes its own silicon future.
“If Apple needs the next‑gen 5G chips, we’ll still be the go‑to partner,” Chris Amon, Qualcomm’s President and CEO, told an industry panel.
Chronology of the Collaboration
- May 2024 – Apple plays the future bell: the company says it plans to use its own chips for upcoming products.
- 2025–2026 – Reality check: Apple’s custom designs still need a bit of seasoning, so Qualcomm will keep providing 5G modems.
Why Qualcomm Stays on the Playlist
- Expertise – Qualcomm’s 5G tech is battle‑tested.
- Speed – Apple’s chip design lanes take time; Qualcomm fills the gap.
- Compatibility – Smooth integration means fewer headaches for end‑users.
In plain English: Apple wants to run the 5G show by itself eventually, but until then Qualcomm will keep the lights on. Think of it as a long‑term coach for a team that’s still building its own star player.
TL;DR – Business in a Nutshell
Apple plans to roll out its own chips but still needs Qualcomm’s 5G modul
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Apple & Qualcomm: The 5G Power‑Play Until 2026
Spill alert: A fresh report reveals that Qualcomm will stay in Apple’s corner for 5G modems all the way up to 2026, even as Apple eyes its own silicon future.
“If Apple needs the next‑gen 5G chips, we’ll still be the go‑to partner,” Chris Amon, Qualcomm’s President and CEO, told an industry panel.
Chronology of the Collaboration
- May 2024 – Apple plays the future bell: the company says it plans to use its own chips for upcoming products.
- 2025–2026 – Reality check: Apple’s custom designs still need a bit of seasoning, so Qualcomm will keep providing 5G modems.
Why Qualcomm Stays on the Playlist
- Expertise – Qualcomm’s 5G tech is battle‑tested.
- Speed – Apple’s chip design lanes take time; Qualcomm fills the gap.
- Compatibility – Smooth integration means fewer headaches for end‑users.
In plain English: Apple wants to run the 5G show by itself eventually, but until then Qualcomm will keep the lights on. Think of it as a long‑term coach for a team that’s still building its own star player.
TL;DR – Business in a Nutshell
Apple plans to roll out its own chips but will still rely on Qualcomm’s 5G modems through 2026. The partnership is a win‑win: Apple gets the tech it needs now and can focus on its future designs later, while Qualcomm stays plugged into the Apple market for a few more years.
Apple’s in‑House Chip Drama
So, Apple’s been secretly snooping around its own chip department since 2019. After snatching Intel’s smartphone modem arm, the tech giant started cooking up its own little powerhouses.
Qualcomm’s Big‑O₁ Guess
Qualcomm pulled out a statement that in 2026 their chips might only light up 20% of Apple’s next-gen phones. That’s a Tuesday‑morning “mostly fine” number.
Deal of the Century
- Both sides signed up for a $1.9 billion contract back in 2022.
- The deal covers six years plus a 2‑year optional extension—think of it as a “keep going till the last nail is driven in” agreement.
- With that, the tender‑love story continues as Apple swears their iPhones will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G modem‑RF chip in the upcoming iPhone 15 lineup.
Why it’s a Head‑Spin
Apple, traditionally the “in‑house king,” might end up buying back a dosing of Qualcomm. While the numbers say Apple is snacking on only a piece of Qualcomm’s pie, the real question is how much that slice tastes like in the iPhone 15’s grand assembly.
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, Apple is rolling out its own chips, but Qualcomm’s still getting a handful of gigs. The partnership, buttressed by that hefty $1.9 billion deal, hints at a future where we can’t quite call iPhone 15 “pure Apple” without tossing in a dash of Qualcomm magic.
