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posted by martyb on Tuesday October 31 2017, @05:08PM   Printer-friendly
from the you-want-chips-with-that? dept.

Apple is considering completely switching away from Qualcomm components, such as modems, in future iterations of the iPhone. Intel modems have already been used in some iPhones, and MediaTek is also under consideration:

Apple Inc has designed iPhones and iPads that would drop chips supplied by Qualcomm Inc, according to two people familiar with the matter. The change would affect iPhones released in the fall of 2018, but Apple could still change course before then, these people said. They declined to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media.

The dispute stems from a change in supply arrangements under which Qualcomm has stopped providing some software for Apple to test its chips in its iPhone designs, one of the people told Reuters.

The two companies are locked in a multinational legal dispute over the Qualcomm's licensing terms to Apple.

Qualcomm told Reuters it is providing fully tested chips to Apple for iPhones. "We are committed to supporting Apple's new devices consistent with our support of all others in the industry," Qualcomm said in a statement.

Apple and other companies are suing Qualcomm over licensing fees. Apple has had similar hardware-level disputes with Samsung in the past. Apple designs its own ARM chips but has to have them manufactured by Samsung or TSMC.

Also at Bloomberg and 9to5Mac.


Original Submission

Related Stories

Apple vs. Qualcomm Escalates, Manufacturers Join in, Lawsuits Filed in California and Germany 10 comments

Companies manufacturing iPhones for Apple have filed lawsuits against Qualcomm Inc., as Qualcomm has filed new patent suits against Apple in the EU:

Apple Inc. and its Asian contract manufacturers are hitting back at Qualcomm Inc. with legal claims that try to undermine the chipmaker's attempt to force them to pay licensing fees.

Qualcomm is asking for payments in excess of what it would normally receive, Apple, Compal Electronics Inc., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. and others said early Wednesday in court filings. If successful, the counter-claims could cost Qualcomm billions of dollars in refunded fees and damages, Apple said.

Also Wednesday, Qualcomm said it had filed two new patent-infringement suits against Apple, this time in Germany. The patents, for ways to transmit information without draining battery life, are the European counterparts to those that are part of a case Qualcomm filed with a trade agency in Washington seeking to halt imports of Apple products into the U.S. market.

The filings, in California as well as Germany, represent the latest escalation in the dispute between Apple and Qualcomm over fees the San Diego-based company charges on all modern phones, even if the device doesn't have one of its chips. That revenue stream has made it one of the richest companies in the industry.

Also at ITWorld, The Register, and 9to5Mac.


Original Submission

Qualcomm Files New Lawsuit Against Apple, Alleging it Shared Confidential Information with Intel 9 comments

Qualcomm accuses Apple of helping Intel with chip software

The patent licensing battle between Apple and Qualcomm keeps getting more heated. Wednesday, Qualcomm filed another lawsuit against Apple, this time alleging Apple shared confidential Qualcomm software information with its chip rival, Intel. The breach of contract lawsuit said Qualcomm gave Apple "unprecedented access to Qualcomm's very valuable and highly confidential software, including source code." In return, Apple agreed to take steps to keep the software confidential and secure. But Qualcomm said instead it found that Apple shared information with Intel.

In one instance, Apple requested confidential software information from Qualcomm and cc'd an Intel engineer on the message, Qualcomm said.

Qualcomm wants a court to declare Apple breached the agreement and award damages, among other demands. "As the direct and proximate result of Apple's conduct, Qualcomm has suffered significant damages in an amount to be proven at trial," the filing said.

Apple also hasn't complied with Qualcomm's rights to audit Apple's compliance with the provisions of their software agreement, Qualcomm said in its lawsuit. It wants to do so to make sure Apple hasn't shared more information with Intel.

Also at Bloomberg, AppleInsider, and MacRumors.

Previously: U.S. Federal Trade Commission Sues Qualcomm for Anti-Competitive Practices
Qualcomm's Good Quarter
Intel Hints at Patent Fight With Microsoft and Qualcomm Over x86 Emulation
Apple vs. Qualcomm Escalates, Manufacturers Join in, Lawsuits Filed in California and Germany
Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems


Original Submission

EU Fines Qualcomm 997 Million Euros for Anti-Competitive Payments to Apple 26 comments

Qualcomm Gets $1.2 Billion EU Fine for Apple Chip Payments

Qualcomm Inc. was fined 997 million euros ($1.2 billion) by the European Union for paying Apple Inc. to shun rival chips in its iPhones.

The largest maker of chips that help run smartphones "paid billions of U.S. dollars to a key customer, Apple, so that it would not buy from rivals," EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. "This meant that no rival could effectively challenge Qualcomm in this market, no matter how good their products were."

Qualcomm struck a deal with Apple in 2011 that pledged significant payments if Apple only used Qualcomm chipsets for the iPhone and iPad devices. That agreement was renewed in 2013 until 2016. Qualcomm warned it would stop these payments if Apple sold another product with a rival chip. This effectively shut out competitors such as Intel Corp. from the market for LTE baseband chipsets used in the 4G mobile phone standard for five years, the EU said.

European Commission press release. Also at Reuters.

Previously: EU Investigates Qualcomm For Antitrust Activities
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Sues Qualcomm for Anti-Competitive Practices
Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems

Related: Apple vs. Qualcomm Escalates, Manufacturers Join in, Lawsuits Filed in California and Germany
Qualcomm Files New Lawsuit Against Apple, Alleging it Shared Confidential Information with Intel
Broadcom Offers $105 Billion for Qualcomm; Moves HQ Back to the USA


Original Submission

Your 2018 iPhone may be Slower than Android Phones 14 comments

Arthur T Knackerbracket has found the following story:

Apple has been using Intel 4G chips for some models of the iPhone and Qualcomm chips for others.

Apple appears to be making some big changes to the chips in its upcoming iPhones -- and that could mean your next iPhone downloads data slower than rival Android devices. Qualcomm, a major supplier of 4G chips for smartphones, on Wednesday said it doesn't expect to supply modems for any upcoming iPhones.

"We believe Apple intends to solely use our competitor's modems rather than our modems in its next iPhone release," Qualcomm financial chief George Davis said during an earnings call with analysts.

Cristiano Amon, the head of Qualcomm's chip business, noted that it doesn't mean Qualcomm has lost Apple's business forever, but it's out for now.

"This is a very dynamic industry," he said during the earnings call. "If the opportunity presents itself, I think we will be a supplier of Apple."

Apple and Qualcomm have been fighting over patents since the beginning of 2017. Qualcomm previously supplied all modems for iPhones, but Apple now uses 4G chips from Intel in about half of its phones -- particularly those running on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. The move gave Apple more leverage in its battle with Qualcomm, but it has been criticized for hurting consumers by limiting their network speeds.

Qualcomm didn't say which company will supply modems for the next iPhone, but it's believed to be Intel.

Apple's apparent move to source its chips from one supplier could have big implications for your next iPhone. Going back to one chip provider could make it tougher for Apple to keep up with demand for its upcoming iPhones, which means you may have to wait even longer to get your hands on a new device. And speed tests have shown Qualcomm-powered smartphones are capable of faster network speeds than the devices running on Intel processors.

-- submitted from IRC

Previously: Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems


Original Submission

Qualcomm Accuses Apple of Passing its Trade Secrets on to Intel 6 comments

Qualcomm accuses Apple of stealing its secrets to help Intel

Qualcomm Inc on Tuesday accused Apple Inc of stealing its chip-making secrets and giving them to rival Intel Corp, paving the way for Apple to switch to Intel's improved semiconductors, which may have cost Qualcomm billions of dollars in lost sales.

The accusation, made in a legal filing on Tuesday, is the latest salvo in a drawn-out patent dispute between the two tech heavyweights.

Qualcomm accused Apple of misusing secret Qualcomm software to share information about its chips with Intel engineers in a November lawsuit, but went further on Tuesday by saying Apple stole Qualcomm trade secrets as part of a "multi-year campaign of sloppy, inappropriate and deceitful conduct" designed to improve rivals' chipsets and ultimately divert Qualcomm's Apple-based business to Intel.

[...] The world's most valuable technology company previously used Qualcomm's modem chips in its iPhone, which helped the device connect to wireless data networks. With the iPhone 7, launched in 2016, Apple began using Intel modem chips in some models instead.

Also at CNBC.

Previously: Apple Sues Qualcomm for $1 Billion over Patent Royalties and "Retaliation"
Apple vs. Qualcomm Escalates, Manufacturers Join in, Lawsuits Filed in California and Germany
Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems
Qualcomm Files New Lawsuit Against Apple, Alleging it Shared Confidential Information with Intel


Original Submission

Intel Integrates LTE Modem Into Custom Multi-Chip Module for New HP Laptop 13 comments

Intel's Customized SoC for HP: Amber Lake-Y with On-Package LTE Modem

Announced earlier this week, HP's Spectre Folio convertible notebook already looks remarkable due to its leather exterior. As it appears, the system is as impressive inside as it is on the outside, as it incorporates a custom Intel's Amber Lake-Y multi-chip-module that features an LTE modem.

According to a report from PC World, the internal design of the Spectre Folio PC convertible notebook was co-developed by HP and Intel engineers under Intel's Innovation Excellence Program, which is aimed at enabling PC makers to bring state-of-the-art designs to the market. The product uses a tiny, jointly-designed motherboard that measures only 12,000 mm2 and is based around a unique multi-chip module that carries Intel's Amber Lake-Y SoC, a PCH (platform controller hub), and Intel's Intel XMM 7560 LTE Advanced Pro Cat16/Cat 13 modem.

[...] Intel is not new to selling complete platforms comprised of a CPU, a chipset, and a communication module. Back in 2000s the company made a fortune selling its Centrino-branded sets containing the aforementioned elements. By selling multiple chips at once, Intel naturally increases its revenue, whereas system vendors ensure compatibility. Therefore, platform-level integration is a win-win for all parties. With that said, this is the first time we've seen Intel put a CPU, a PCH, and a cellular modem onto one multi-chip-module in this fashion. So this may be the start of a trend for the company.

Related: Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems
Intel Announces Development of 5G Modems (Due in 2019)
AMD Creates Quad-Core Zen SoC for Chinese Console Maker
ARM Aims to Match Intel 15-Watt Laptop CPU Performance


Original Submission

Intel Speeds Up Rollout of 5G Modems 7 comments

Intel has announced that it will speed up the launch of its 5G modem "by more than a half-year". It will have peak speeds of up to 6 Gbps:

2019 is shaping up to be a big year for 5G, and Intel — one of tech's biggest mobile players — has finally announced its plans for the next-generation network in the form of its new XMM 8160 5G modem. The XMM 8160 modem is set to be released to manufacturers sometime in the second half of 2019, with the first devices using the chip coming in early 2020.

Intel has big ambitions for the XMM 8160 5G. It envisions using it across phones, PCs, and broadband hubs, with peak speeds of up to 6 gigabits per second. The modem will support both the standalone and non-standalone specs for the 5G NR (New Radio) standard, as well as legacy support for 4G, 3G, and 2G networks all in one chipset. Additionally, Intel says that the modem will support both millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum as well as lower-band parts of the spectrum.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X50 5G NR modem will be available to device makers that want to introduce 5G support in 2019.

Also at EE Times and Engadget.

Previously: Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems
Intel Announces Development of 5G Modems (Due in 2019)

Related: Intel Integrates LTE Modem Into Custom Multi-Chip Module for New HP Laptop


Original Submission

Intel Selling Off Smartphone Modem Assets 6 comments

Thanks, Apple: Intel will auction off smartphone modem patents, exit industry

Back in April, Apple announced that it would cease all litigation against chip manufacturer Qualcomm and enter a new partnership with the company that will see Qualcomm modems installed in new crops of iPhones.

On that same day, Intel announced it was exiting the smartphone modem business entirely. Now, according to IAM, Intel is going one step further and auctioning off many of its smartphone modem assets.

This information appears to suggest that without Apple as a partner, Intel has no need for its patents surrounding smartphone modems at all.

According to IAM, the Intel auction will see some 8,500 patents up for sale to the highest bidder.

Also at Tom's Hardware and Wccftech.

Previously: Apple Could Switch From Qualcomm to Intel and MediaTek for Modems
Intel Speeds Up Rollout of 5G Modems
A Billion-Dollar Question: What Was Really Behind Qualcomm's Surprise Ten-Digit Gift to Apple?
Apple's Internal Hardware Team is Working on Modems Now
Intel and Qualcomm Announce 5G Modem Modules for M.2 Slots
Intel Quits 5G Modem Business Hours after Apple Settles with Qualcomm
Qualcomm Will Pocket Almost $5 Billion from Apple Settlement this Quarter
How Qualcomm Shook Down the Cell Phone Industry for Almost 20 Years


Original Submission

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  • (Score: -1, Offtopic) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @05:25PM (4 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @05:25PM (#590103)

    If you are speaking of a union, use "or".

    If you are speaking of an intersection, use "and".

    Invalid form key: JR0IuY7gK2

    You suck, SoylentNews.

    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @05:28PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @05:28PM (#590107)

      When you are speaking about an exclusive union, use "either… or".

    • (Score: 2) by takyon on Tuesday October 31 2017, @06:19PM (2 children)

      by takyon (881) <reversethis-{gro ... s} {ta} {noykat}> on Tuesday October 31 2017, @06:19PM (#590133) Journal

      Apple has used Qualcomm and Intel modems at the same time in the past, so no, I'm not changing it. Suck it, AC.

      --
      [SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
      • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @06:32PM (1 child)

        by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @06:32PM (#590136)

        If Apple has used (Qualcomm and Intel) modems, then Apple has used (Qualcomm or Intel) modems.

  • (Score: 3, Informative) by qzm on Tuesday October 31 2017, @08:31PM (3 children)

    by qzm (3260) on Tuesday October 31 2017, @08:31PM (#590195)

    So, First Apple have demanded Qualcomm give them preferential licensing agreements (yes, thats is what this whole spat has been over, Apple demanded Qualcomm license them its IP for a small fraction of what everyone else pays, because apparently thats what the Fair in FRAND means to Apple..)
    The Apple refused to pay Qualcomm the license fees that they owed (and still refuse_.
    Then Apple intentionally nobbled the performance of Qualcomm chipsets to match the lower capabilities of Intel parts they were using as a second source, directly against agreements with Qualcomm.
    Then Apple tried to use their political position in the US to get the courts to punish Qualcomm for not giving them what they demanded.
    And now Apple are looking to drop Qualcomm because 'reasons' (with a very thin fabrication about Qualcomm not giving Apple special internal test software - gee, I wonder why).

    Just perhaps Qualcomm are learning from Apples treatement of Imagination, where they did a generation of 'hey Imagination, we are great mates, show us all the custom internals of your GPU because we would like to work with you and make a custom version' followed by 'Ha! Suckers! not we have our own GPU, it looks one hell of a lot like yours, and the APIs are all pretty much the same, but its ours, good bye!'

    It will be more interesting to see the outcome in China where Qualcomm are suing Apple in a country where Apple doesnt get special treatment as much (nor does Qualcomm, they are not Chinese).

    I wonder how Apple will spin the strongly inferior Intel chipsets as 'better' to their faithful.

    • (Score: 2) by Bobs on Tuesday October 31 2017, @09:12PM (2 children)

      by Bobs (1462) on Tuesday October 31 2017, @09:12PM (#590220)

      No: wildly inaccurate: Qualcomm started to demand a % of the sale price of every iOS device with their modems.

      "The battle between the two companies began earlier this year year when the Federal Trade Commission accused Qualcomm of forcing Apple to use its baseband chips at higher patent royalties. Apple then filed a $1 billion lawsuit against Qualcomm, and Qualcomm counter sued."

      "Apple stopped paying licensing fees to Qualcomm at that time, as did Apple suppliers. Apple maintains that Qualcomm charges excessive licensing fees by requesting a percentage of an iPhone's entire value, while Qualcomm says its technology is "at the heart of every iPhone."

      More at:
      https://www.macrumors.com/2017/10/30/apple-future-iphone-no-qualcomm-chips/ [macrumors.com]

      http://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-qualcomm/four-apple-contractors-accuse-qualcomm-of-antitrust-violations-idUSKBN1A40I8 [reuters.com]

      • (Score: 3, Interesting) by qzm on Tuesday October 31 2017, @09:41PM (1 child)

        by qzm (3260) on Tuesday October 31 2017, @09:41PM (#590234)

        Which is exactly the same deal EVERYONE ELSE GETS.
        What part of that do you not understand?
        Apple are the ones demanding (and withholding payment until they get..) a special deal, that only Apple would get.

        You will note that your links above are simply what Apple is trying to spin it as.

        The fact is that all manufacturers get the same damn deal - if you want Qualcomms CDMA chipsets, you page a %age of device cost, it has always been that way.
        Apple simply dont want to do that now.

        Please describe how is it 'fair' that apple get a special deal?

        • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @10:33PM

          by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 31 2017, @10:33PM (#590253)

          To add to that pretty much all cell modems have done this for years. MS, moto, Intel, qcom, bcom, etc, etc, etc all have their bits you pay for. It is usually a % of the phone final cost. QCOM is estimated by most folks to be 2-5 bucks a phone if you do not buy their chipset. If you get the chipset they lower it. They have had that deal for years. Like all of their competitors.

  • (Score: 2) by FatPhil on Wednesday November 01 2017, @01:47PM

    by FatPhil (863) <pc-soylentNO@SPAMasdf.fi> on Wednesday November 01 2017, @01:47PM (#590553) Homepage
    Because the news has made the market twitch: QCOM -6.68%

    Yeah, shares, not the chipsets.

    Disclaimer: this is not investment advice, there's no reason to believe there will be a recovery. I'm just highlighting the fact that a bunch of people think this is quite significant an announcement.
    --
    Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people; the smallest discuss themselves
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