Apple and Qualcomm have renewed their global patent licensing agreement, extending a key part of the companies’ relationship even as Apple continues moving away from Qualcomm modem hardware.
Qualcomm announced the renewal on Thursday, confirming that the new agreement will take effect on April 1, 2027. The company did not disclose the duration of the renewed deal or its financial terms.
“We are pleased to extend the Apple license agreement,” said John Han, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm Technology Licensing.
The agreement allows Apple to continue licensing Qualcomm’s extensive portfolio of wireless technology patents, which includes intellectual property covering technologies used across cellular connectivity.
Apple and Qualcomm’s current licensing relationship dates back to 2019, when the companies reached a settlement that ended a lengthy legal dispute over patents and royalty payments.
That settlement included a six-year global patent licensing agreement with an option for a two-year extension, alongside a separate multiyear agreement for Qualcomm to supply modem chips to Apple.
The renewed patent agreement is separate from Apple’s use of Qualcomm modem hardware. Apple has increasingly begun replacing Qualcomm components with cellular modems developed in-house.
Apple introduced its first custom cellular modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e in 2025, marking a major step in the company’s effort to reduce its dependence on outside modem suppliers.
Apple has continued expanding the use and capabilities of its own modem technology since then, but moving away from Qualcomm hardware does not eliminate Apple’s need to license patented cellular technologies.
The renewed agreement therefore means Qualcomm can continue receiving licensing revenue from Apple even as its role as a modem supplier to the iPhone maker declines.
Qualcomm operates its patent licensing business through Qualcomm Technology Licensing, or QTL, which licenses the company’s intellectual property to device manufacturers around the world.
The companies have not said how long the renewed Apple agreement will remain in effect beyond its April 1, 2027 start date.
