The Rise of In-House Modems: Samsung and Apple's Departure from Qualcomm

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A Shift Towards In-House Modems

The iPhone 16e launched with Apple's C1 cellular modem. | Video credit — Apple
Samsung Galaxy S23 was constrained to using Snapdragon processors globally, prompting inquiries from consumers in various markets. Samsung, with its Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series, relied on Snapdragon chips but is now transitioning to its 2 nm Exynos 2600 chipset for the upcoming Galaxy S26 lineup. On the other hand, Apple has successfully developed its modem chips for the iPhone 16e, with plans to integrate them into future devices like the iPhone 17 models.

Rising Costs of Qualcomm Chips

Samsung incurred a significant loss when using Snapdragon processors in all Galaxy S25 models. Apple also faced challenges due to Qualcomm's licensing fees, prompting the shift towards in-house modem solutions.

The Uncertain Future of Qualcomm

According to reports, the upcoming iPhone 17 series will likely feature Apple's own modem chips, signaling a shift away from Qualcomm. Both Samsung and Apple are steering towards independence from Qualcomm, paving the way for a new era in smartphone technology.
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