Qualcomm: Apple stole info about modems and gave it to Intel

Qualcomm claims Apple stole confidential information about modems and modem technology from the company and gave it to Intel so it could make better modems for iPhones. Qualcomm has filed a lawsuit against Apple.

Modem in iPhone XS. Source: TechInsights

Apple has used the stolen information to switch to Intel modems, according to Qualcomm, Bloomberg writes based on the court document. Qualcomm claims that it involves large amounts of data about its modems. Apple wanted that data to make adjustments to its software to make the modems in iPhones work better.

Qualcomm does not provide direct evidence for the allegations, according to CNBC, but points to conversations between Apple and Intel employees that would show that Intel engineers have confidential information from Qualcomm. Apple has not yet responded to the allegations.

The allegations are the latest in a legal battle between the two US companies that has been going on for more than a year. That started in 2017. Both companies have since filed charges against each other.

Apple has used Intel and Qualcomm modems in iPhones for the past two years, but this year has switched to only Intel modems for the iPhone XS and XS Max for the first time. The modem is therefore now an x86 processor.