Apple Relied on Qualcomm for 5G Modems for Years After Failed Agreement with Samsung Due to Executive Decision

The launch of the iPhone 16e marked a significant milestone for Apple as it unveiled the custom C1 5G modem, a product resulting from years of extensive research and substantial financial investment aimed at optimizing performance. For a long time, Apple relied on Qualcomm for its modem supply due to a lack of viable competitors, a situation that arose primarily because Apple struggled to negotiate effectively with Samsung. Rumors indicate that a top Samsung executive may have contributed to this breakdown in negotiations.

Potential Implications of a Samsung Deal on Apple’s 5G Advancement

The existing licensing agreement between Apple and Qualcomm is set to expire in 2027, paving the way for some of the most sophisticated wireless technologies yet to emerge from Apple. However, it is worth pondering how this landscape might have changed had Apple successfully partnered with Samsung for its 5G modems. Such an alliance would have potentially empowered Apple to negotiate more favorable terms with Qualcomm.

On the social media platform X, insider tipster @Jukanlosreve clarified a conversation sparked by Weibo user Fixed Focus Digital, suggesting that Samsung’s demands during negotiations were unreasonable. According to @Jukanlosreve, the root of the negotiation’s failure lies with Samsung executive Jung Hyun Ho, noted in the conversation as ‘HH, ’ who allegedly opposed the deal due to a desire to avoid assisting a competitor. This assertion paints a curious picture, especially since Samsung supplies Apple with high-quality OLED displays and DRAM chips across various product lines.

Critics, including the tipster, have labeled Jung Hyun Ho as one of Samsung’s less effective executives, arguing that the missed opportunity for collaboration not only deprived Samsung of a significant revenue opportunity but also propelled Apple towards developing its own 5G modem, cutting Samsung out of the equation entirely.

You really don’t know anything 🥱The reason the Apple–Samsung modem deal fell through wasn’t because Samsung made unreasonable demands to win a foundry contract from Apple. It was because Samsung’s top leadership (HH) shut it down, saying we shouldn’t be helping a competitor.… pic.twitter.com/KMb79r9Fkn

— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) June 4, 2025

Previously reported instances suggested that Apple had indeed considered incorporating Samsung’s 5G modems into its devices, but Samsung was unable to ramp up production sufficiently. In hindsight, given the unfolding events, it is likely that Samsung is now regretting the lost opportunity to solidify a lucrative partnership with Apple, its most formidable competitor in the smartphone market.

For more detailed insights, refer to the source: @Jukanlosreve

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