Rumor: Apple wants to buy Intel’s German modem division

Apple is said to be interested in acquiring Intel’s German modem development division. The Information claims that on the basis of anonymous sources. Apple would like to develop modems faster with the purchase of patents and personnel.

Intel is said to be interested in a takeover of technology and people because it has publicly said it will stop developing 5G modems. The division is mainly located in Germany, because Intel once took over Infineon. There are now people in various countries, claims The Information. There was previously a rumor that Apple was interested in Intel’s modem technology, but those talks would have ended by then.

Because it is not a separate company, Apple would not acquire an entire company. That’s why it’s all about technology and patents. Apple made a similar deal with British Dialog Semiconductor. Intel has been a supplier of 4G modems for iPhones for several years, because of a conflict that Apple had with market leader Qualcomm. That conflict is now over and Apple has agreed with Qualcomm to only use Qualcomm modems in iPhones in the coming years. There are no other major Intel modem customers.

Apple and Intel have not confirmed the rumor. There have been rumors for some time that the iPhone maker wants to develop its own modems. These would reportedly not be ready for use in smartphones until around 2025.