Kuo does not explain why Apple dropped the fourth-generation iPhone SE or if the performance of its own 5G processor had a role in the decision. Apple has been attempting to minimise its reliance on Qualcomm for the better part of a decade. In 2019, the two settled their heated patent dispute by signing a “multiyear” wireless chip supply agreement. However, Apple eventually purchased the bulk of Intel’s mobile modem division. The business then revealed towards the end of 2020 that it was developing its own cellular chipset. Since then, there has been minimal progress on the project.
