Apple and Qualcomm unexpectedly settle royalty dispute through new patent agreement

Apple tree and Qualcomm unexpectedly settle royalty dispute through new patent understanding

The feud between Apple and Qualcomm is already over

iPhone XS Max

Just as Apple and Qualcomm'south patent dispute was showtime to go interesting, it looks like the bitter boxing between the two companies has come up to an abrupt end.

The tech giants take settled their patent royalty dispute, halting all ongoing legal activity between the two companies. Apple has reportedly agreed to pay Qualcomm an undisclosed amount of money, with both sides of the conflict agreeing to a vi-yr licensing deal and a multi-twelvemonth chipset supply understanding. In that location is also a ii-year pick to extend this deal, co-ordinate to Qualcomm.

As a issue, this likely means that iPhones will once over again characteristic modems supplied by Qualcomm. This could also alter the timeline regarding the rollout of a 5G-capable iPhone, which Apple was previously rumoured to be preparing to launch in 2021.

While we'll probable never know the verbal reasons Apple decided to settle with Qualcomm, it'due south likely Intel'southward rumoured inability to deliver a 5G modem in time for the launch of the 2020 iPhone forced Apple'due south hand.

The legal conflict betwixt Apple and Qualcomm has been ongoing for the last ii years, with Apple contending that the chip-maker was charging it expensive fees for patents and taking reward of its dominant position in the smartphone modem supplier space.

Qualcomm has been sued over its licensing practices in the by. The visitor is currently waiting for the results of a lawsuit it fought against the U.Southward. Federal Trade Commission.

Last month, Apple lost a case against Qualcomm regarding the infringement of the scrap-maker'south patents. That case was settled in an agreement as well.

With files from Bryson Masse.

Source: Apple, Qualcomm CNBC