Quote:Apple is pushing hard for achieving independence in the hardware industry, and part of the plan is making more parts for the iPhone, thus reducing reliance on a series of partners.
 
More recently, Apple took over Intel’s smartphone modem business, and now the Cupertino-based tech giant is pushing hard for a 5G chip of its own to power the iPhone.
 
Apple’s first iPhone with 5G connectivity is expected next year as part of a collaboration with Qualcomm.
 
Apple and Qualcomm settled their legal dispute earlier this year, and the two agreed on a six-year licensing deal and a chip supply partnership for the iPhone. While it’s not yet known for how long Apple is tied to using Qualcomm chips for the iPhone, a report from Reuters reveals that Apple wants its own modem to be installed on the smartphone by 2021 as well.
 
This suggests that Apple could bring its own modems to at least part of the iPhone lineup, with more devices to get it as the deal with Qualcomm comes to an end.