According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, it is possible that all iPhone models in 2027 will be equipped with Apple’s proprietary modems and no iPhone will use a Qualcomm modem.
According to Eitna quoting Phonearena, this could mark the end of Apple’s hardware dependence on Qualcomm, but it does not mean a complete end to financial cooperation between the two companies.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max in the United States is reportedly the last major model that still uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem. Delays in developing Apple’s modems and contractual obligations have been cited as reasons for continuing to use Qualcomm’s modem in this model. An internal analysis by TechInsights has also confirmed the presence of the X80 in this phone.
An important point is the new agreement between Apple and Qualcomm that takes effect on April 1, 2027. This contract concerns a license to use Qualcomm’s patented technologies and does not necessarily relate to buying modems. Simply put, Apple can design the modem hardware itself but still pay royalties to Qualcomm for using some essential 5G standard technologies.
One of the main concerns about dropping Qualcomm in U.S. models was support for millimeter wave (mmWave). Apple has stated that its C2 modem now supports mmWave in the U.S. and consumes up to 15 percent less power compared with the C1X. This modem was previously used in the smaller iPhone 18 Pro as well.
Ookla’s data from Q4 2025 also showed that the C1X modem achieved download speeds similar to the X80 and recorded lower latency in 19 of 22 markets; however, the X80 still had up to a 32 percent advantage in upload speed.
As a result, if Apple’s plan proceeds as predicted, even the U.S. iPhone 18 Pro Max will use Apple’s proprietary modem from 2027. However, removing the Qualcomm chip does not mean the end of royalty payments to the company, and collaboration between the two firms on communication technologies will continue.