Apple will use Qualcomm's 5G chips on iPhones till 2023, according to report

Not too long ago, Apple and Qualcomm were involved in a very public spat due to the latter accusing the former of patent infringement. The resulting lawsuit allegedly cost Apple billions of dollars in settlement money. It appears that both companies have decided to move on and do business with each other. A newly-published document by the United States International Trade Commission shows that Apple will use Qualcomm's 5G chips on at least four generations of iPhones.

The document in question is publicly available and can be read in its entirety here. It is long, full of legal jargon, and peppered with redactions, so it might not make an enjoyable read. Essentially, it states that Apple's 2020 iPhone will ship with a Snapdragon X55 5G chip. Furthermore, subsequent iPhone models will also feature corresponding Qualcomm 5G hardware. The document doesn't shed any light on what Apple's strategy will be after the four year period ends, but it is far too early to speculate about that now.

This news is a tad surprising, considering that Apple acquired Intel's 5G division not too long ago. It is clear Apple didn't want to rely on Qualcomm for 5G technology but has to now. Furthermore, it is implausible that the company will leave its 5G chips sitting around. Perhaps Apple will manufacture two iPhone variants, one that comes with an Intel 5G modem and another with Qualcomm's offering. After all, Samsung has been doing this for a long time with its flagships, so it shouldn't be difficult for Apple to pull it off.