Apple Renews Qualcomm Patent Deal

According to Qualcomm, Apple and Qualcomm have renewed their global patent licensing agreement, with the new agreement taking effect on April 1, 2027. Qualcomm did not disclose the agreement’s duration, licensing rates, or other financial terms.

The renewal comes as Apple continues to increase its investment in in-house cellular modem technology. While Qualcomm remains an important modem supplier for Apple, the two companies’ relationship is gradually shifting from both chip supply and patent licensing toward a stronger focus on intellectual property licensing.

Apple and Qualcomm settled a major global patent dispute in 2019. As part of the settlement, the companies signed a six-year global patent licensing agreement, along with a separate multiyear chipset supply agreement. The patent agreement was later extended and was scheduled to expire on March 31, 2027.

Apple has continued developing its own modem technology since acquiring most of Intel’s smartphone modem business in 2019. As Apple increases the use of its proprietary modem technology, Qualcomm is expected to face greater pressure on its smartphone chip business. At the same time, Qualcomm is expanding into automotive, IoT and data-center markets to reduce its reliance on smartphone-related revenue.

Qualcomm reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 revenue of about $9.9 billion, while combined QCT automotive and IoT revenue increased 28% year over year.

The renewed patent agreement indicates that despite Apple’s ongoing development of in-house modem technology, the companies will continue to maintain a long-term relationship in cellular communications patents.