You may see a slowdown in future iPhones compared to Android devices from now on. It would seem that Apple will now no longer use Qualcomm’s modems in its mobile devices due to legal disagreements.

While it’s unconfirmed which alternative Apple is going for now that Qualcomm is out, Intel is the likely choice for the company due to an existing relationship.

Apple and Qualcomm have been in a spat over the use of patents since the beginning of 2017. The dispute initially with Apple accusing Qualcomm of overcharging for its LTE modems. Qualcomm eventually counter-sued, stating that Apple owed it more in royalties. Apple has also been accused of infringing on its patents and sharing propietary information with Qualcomm’s competitor Intel.

Since then, Apple has started working on the foundation for Qualcomm-free iPhones. Further lawsuits and antitrust measures have only deepened the wound and these efforts.

Perhaps the biggest blow to iPhone consumers is that Qualcomm is shipping its 5G modems as early as this year. Meanwhile, Intel is a somewhat behind and will only release its own in 2019.

Apple’s relationship with Intel in the long-term is also up in the air, as the fruit company isn’t intent on using Intel’s Bluetooth and WiFi parts for 2020 mobile devices.

In any case, it looks like future iPhones may not be up to the competition in terms of downloading data. Considering that iPhones are a premium product, it will be interesting to see how Apple intends to retain that status in the near future.

(Source: The Verge)