Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 15, Qualcomm Technologies has extended its 5G modem chip supply deal with Apple for smartphones launched in 2024, 2025 and 2026. The announcement confirms the San Diego-based chip maker will remain Apple’s 5G chip supplier, thereby continuing the deal signed in 2019.
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The iPhone 15 Series (2023) was expected to be the last to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 5G Modem?RF Systems. However, that looks unlikely as Qualcomm 5G modems will be used in future iPhone models – presumably the iPhone 16 (2024), iPhone 17 (2025) and iPhone 18 (2026). For context purpose, the iPhone 15 series will reportedly use the Snapdragon X70 5G modem.
The Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 offers up to 10Gbps peak download speed and up to 3.5Gbps peak upload speed.
Apple has been open about developing its own components and reducing its reliance on various suppliers. It has successfully replaced Intel chips in Macs with its more powerful M-series chip. It’s effort to replace Qualcomm 5G modems has not gone smoothly as expected, with the first smartphone (iPhone SE 4) touted to use the custom chip being delayed for another two years.
Broadcom is another potential supplier which could be on its way out, as there are talks of a combined 5G and Wi-Fi chip in development. Suppliers such as Samsung and LG (display), Sony (camera lens), and ARM (computing architecture) have nothing to worry about for now.