Qualcomm to Continue Providing Apple 5G Modems for iPhones Through 2026

Qualcomm Technologies is extending its agreement to supply Apple with 5G modems for its smartphones until 2026. 

The agreement marks an extension of the pair’s previous chip supply deal signed in 2019. 

Qualcomm will supply Apple with its Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems for the company’s smartphone launches in 2024, 2025 and 2026. 

“This agreement reinforces Qualcomm’s track record of sustained leadership across 5G technologies and products,” according to a company statement. 

Financial terms of the latest deal were not disclosed, though Qualcomm said the terms are similar to its previous agreement.

There has been speculation Apple is looking to manufacture its own modems, following its acquisition of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019, which it said would help “expedite … development on future products and allow Apple to further differentiate moving forward.”

However, the expanded contract with Qualcomm implies the company is still a few years off from achieving this goal.