As the company's legal battle against Qualcomm continues, Apple will be designing the next generation iPhones and iPads without Qualcomm LTE chips. The technology giant is considering using Intel or MediaTek chips for the upcoming devices.
According to reports, Qualcomm prevented Apple from getting access to a particular software that it needed to test LTE chips for new prototypes of future iPhones and iPads.
Qualcomm allegedly started withholding the software when Apple filed a lawsuit against it back in January. However, Qualcomm also claimed that the modem chip included in the 2018 iPhone has been tested and released to Apple.
In a statement to Reuters, Qualcomm said that it remains dedicated in supporting Apple's products. "We are committed to supporting Apple's new devices consistent with our support of all others in the industry," said the company.
The chip manufacturer was the sole supplier for Apple's modem chips for a number of years. Apple only started using chips from other manufacturers in its 2016 release of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, which used Intel chips in addition to the Qualcomm chip.
The iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, which were only recently released, also used both Intel and Qualcomm chips.
The two companies are currently in the middle of a multinational legal dispute over the Qualcomm's licensing term to Apple. It started when Apple sued Qualcomm for $1 billion because it was allegedly "charging unfair royalties" for its technologies. Apple also accused Qualcomm of failing to pay quarterly rebates.
Since then, the legal battle between the two companies has only escalated. Qualcomm has countersued Apple and filed a number of patent infringement lawsuits against the Cupertino-based company. It has also appealed to the U.S. International Trade Commission to stop importation of Apple products and has also requested China to cease manufacturing and marketing iPhones.
