Apple and Qualcomm renew global patent licensing agreement

That transition is already underway. Apple has been expanding its C-series modem lineup, with the iPhone 18 Pro models and iPhone Duo using the C2 modem globally, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the US continues to use a Qualcomm modem.

The renewed patent deal therefore represents an interesting middle ground for Apple. Even as the company develops more of its own modems and reduces its dependence on Qualcomm, it still needs to license technologies covered by Qualcomm’s extensive patent portfolio.

Apple and Qualcomm have a history that is anything but straightforward. The two companies became embroiled in a major legal battle in 2017 when Apple sued Qualcomm over what it described as unfair and excessive royalty fees. Qualcomm countersued, accusing Apple of breaching its agreements and seeking its own damages.

The dispute ended in 2019 when both sides reached a settlement that included a multi-year patent licensing agreement and a chipset supply agreement.

Source: Qualcomm