Apple Extends Modem Deal with Qualcomm Ahead of iPhone 15 Launch – CNET [CNET]

September 11, 2023 Sarah Lord technology

Apple has agreed to use Qualcomm 5G modems in its iPhones through 2026.

Sarah Lord covers TVs and home entertainment. Prior to joining CNET, Sarah served as the tech and electronic reviews fellow at Insider, where she wrote about everything from smart watches and wearables to tablets and e-readers. She began her career by writing laptop reviews as an intern and subsequent freelancer at Tom’s Hardware. She is also a professional actor with many credits in theater, film and television.

Expertise TVs, Home Entertainment, Streaming, Computers Credentials

Member of Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity Association

Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 at an event tomorrow, but today chip maker Qualcomm gave us a glimpse into the tech giant’s iPhone plans through 2026. On Monday, Qualcomm said it has agreed to continue to supply Apple with its Snapdragon 5G modem for the next three years.

It was thought that Apple would debut its own 5G modems in next year’s iPhone, but the company’s commitment to Qualcomm suggests their own modem technology isn’t quite ready.

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Apple will reportedly announce its new iPhone 15 lineup at it’s Wonderlust event on Tuesday. Rumors suggest that we’ll see an iPhone 15, an iPhone 15 Plus, an iPhone 15 Pro, as well as an iPhone 15 Pro Max. All phones are expected to get a 48-megapixel main camera and the dynamic island, which was first released on last year’s iPhone 14 Pro. They could also all make the switch from Apple’s proprietary Lightning charging cable to USB-C charging.

Apple could also use the event to announce the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Rumors suggest the Series 9 could be powered by a new chip, which may give it better battery life over its predecessors. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 could also see a new processor, as well as a new color.

Apple’s Wonderlust event will livestreamed tomorrow from Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California starting at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m ET, 6 p.m. BST, 3 a.m. AEST).

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the deal with Qualcomm.