● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Qualcomm CEO's statement suggests iPhone 18 Pro may largely drop Qualcomm modems
Key points
- Qualcomm CEO expects Apple revenue to decline sharply in Q4.
- Decline suggests Apple may reduce Qualcomm modem use in new iPhones.
- iPhone 18 Pro models are rumored to feature Apple's C2 chip.
- This could mean a near-complete transition away from Qualcomm for modems.
Qualcomm's Revenue Forecast Signals Change
Qualcomm's CEO, Cristiano Amon, indicated in an interview that the company anticipates a significant reduction in revenue from Apple products starting in the fourth quarter. This decline is attributed to supply constraints affecting Qualcomm's share of components in the next iPhone launch, falling "well below its earlier estimate of 20%".
This statement suggests a substantial decrease in Qualcomm's presence within Apple's upcoming iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 18 Pro.
Implications for iPhone 18 Pro Modems
The forecast from Qualcomm strengthens the possibility that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, expected this fall, will largely adopt Apple's in-house C2 cellular modem. Previous rumors suggested a split approach, with Qualcomm modems potentially still used in the US market, but the recent statement from Qualcomm implies a more widespread transition to Apple's own chip.
If the iPhone 18 Pro models primarily use the C2 chip, it would represent a significant shift away from Qualcomm, which has been a primary supplier of iPhone cellular modems for an extended period.
Background on Apple's Modem Strategy
Apple has been working to develop its own cellular modem technology for several years, with some current iPhone models already incorporating in-house chips like C1X alongside Qualcomm modems. The move to fully integrate an Apple-designed modem across its Pro lineup would reduce its reliance on external suppliers for a critical component.
This transition has been anticipated, and Qualcomm's latest financial outlook provides further evidence that Apple is moving closer to achieving greater independence in its modem technology.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Qualcomm's CEO stated that revenue from Apple products is expected to decline significantly, indicating that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may predominantly feature Apple's C2 cellular modem instead of Qualcomm's. This shift would mark a major change in the long-standing supplier relationship between Apple and Qualcomm for iPhone cellular components.