Qualcomm and Apple have renewed their global patent-licensing agreement, with the new Qualcomm Apple patent deal taking effect on 1 April 2027. The companies have not disclosed its duration, fees or other financial terms. Qualcomm announced the renewal, while MacRumors reports that it is separate from Qualcomm’s modem-supply arrangement with Apple.
Qualcomm Apple patent deal starts after the current pact
The current licence runs until 31 March 2027. It was part of the 2019 settlement that ended a global legal fight over wireless-patent royalties and included a six-year agreement with a possible two-year extension. Apple exercised that extension, leading to the new agreement beginning the next day.
Reuters reporting syndicated by MarketScreener says Qualcomm’s licensing business accounted for roughly 15% of total revenue in the June quarter. The renewal preserves that relationship even as Apple reduces its use of Qualcomm modem chips.
Apple’s modem shift does not end the licensing relationship
The patent agreement covers Qualcomm’s intellectual property and is separate from the company’s hardware supply deal. Qualcomm agreed in 2023 to supply Apple with 5G modem chips for smartphone launches through 2026, but Apple has been moving cellular modem design in-house.
MacRumors says the US iPhone 18 Pro Max remains the only current iPhone model using a Qualcomm modem, while other versions use Apple’s C2 or C1X designs. That split makes the Qualcomm Apple patent deal more relevant: Apple can buy fewer Qualcomm chips while still licensing technology needed for cellular devices.
Apple’s in-house modem push has already featured in coverage of the C1X modem, while Qualcomm’s broader chip strategy appears in our report on its AI laptop push. The latest agreement gives Qualcomm a continuing licensing link to Apple devices, but leaves the commercial terms behind closed doors.
Does Apple still use Qualcomm modems?
Yes. MacRumors reports that the US iPhone 18 Pro Max still uses a Qualcomm modem, while other current iPhone versions use Apple-designed C2 or C1X modems.
Does the patent renewal mean Apple will keep buying Qualcomm chips?
No. The patent licence and modem-supply agreements are separate, so Apple can reduce chip purchases while continuing to license Qualcomm’s cellular intellectual property.
How long is the renewed agreement?
Qualcomm and Apple have not disclosed the renewed agreement’s duration or financial terms.
