Apple Fights Qualcomm Patents With 5G And National Security Claims

Apple and Qualcomm's long battle over patent licensing fees has taken a surprising turn due to 5G and national security concerns. The International Trade Commission hearing in Washington, D.C may block the import of certain iPhones that allegedly to violate Qualcomm patents.

A very peculiar claim by Apple says that banning iPhones made with patent-infringing Intel modems might threaten United States national security. Apple makes iPhones that alternate between Qualcomm and Intel modems, a ban affecting only Intel's modem would increase Qualcomm business. In new generation iPhones the performance of Intel's 4G cellular chips are not as good compared to Qualcomm's processor but Apple have relied upon Intel's modem because of differences over Qualcomm's patent licensing fees. Intel is working on developing 5G modems at this point of time which can put US ahead of China in the race of 5G. So hurting Intel's modem sale might affect the country's national interest.