The iPhone 16e launch introduced Apple’s custom C1 5G modem for the first time, but the baseband chip was a culmination of years of effort, not to mention the billions invested in research to ensure that the component performed according to expectations. Before the arrival of this 5G modem, the Cupertino giant retained its partnership with Qualcomm as there were no suitable alternatives available, but that was only because Apple could not come to terms with Samsung. A rumor states that a top company executive made things difficult, resulting in the deal falling through.
Assuming Samsung would have treated Apple as just another customer, the C1 5G modem may never have seen the light of day
The 5G modem licensing agreement between Apple and Qualcomm will expire in 2027, and by then, we should bear witness to some of the most advanced wireless solutions from the technology giant. However, one must understand that this roadmap might have ceased to exist if Samsung would have established an agreement with Apple to use its 5G modems. With this partnership, the iPhone maker would have obtained the necessary leverage to dictate a few terms with Qualcomm.
On X, the tipster @Jukanlosreve responds to Weibo user Fixed Focus Digital, who claims that the agreement between Samsung and Apple never came to light because the former was making unreasonable demands. Based on @Jukanlosreve’s internal knowledge of the matter, a Samsung executive called Jung Hyun Ho, who is also mentioned on the thread as ‘HH,’ did not want the deal to mature as he did not want Samsung aiding a competitor.
This is a rather strange claim because the Korean manufacturer supplies Apple with ‘state of the art’ OLED panels for multiple product lines, not to mention that its DRAM chips are used in California-based giant’s devices. The tipster calls Jung Hyun Ho one of Samsung’s worst executives because not only did the company leave out an opportunity to generate a healthy revenue stream, but being dependent on Qualcomm gave Apple sufficient motivation to develop its own 5G modem, blocking out a potential earning opportunity for Samsung indefinitely.
You really don’t know anything 🥱
The reason the Apple–Samsung modem deal fell through wasn’t because Samsung made unreasonable demands to win a foundry contract from Apple. It was because Samsung’s top leadership (HH) shut it down, saying we shouldn’t be helping a competitor.… pic.twitter.com/KMb79r9Fkn— Jukanlosreve (@Jukanlosreve) June 4, 2025
Previously, we reported that Apple had plans to use Samsung’s 5G modems in its products, but at the time, the latter could not manufacture a large enough supply in time. Looking at all the events that have transpired since then, Samsung likely regrets not forming something lucrative with its biggest rival in the smartphone space.
News Source: @Jukanlosreve
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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