Qualcomm has announced a renewal of its global patent licensing agreement with Apple Inc., securing continued intellectual property arrangements between the two technology giants. The new agreement takes effect on April 1, 2027.
Under the terms of the deal, Qualcomm will continue to license its portfolio of cellular and connectivity patents to Apple for use across its product lineup, including the iPhone. The licensing framework falls under Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), the business segment responsible for granting rights to the company’s vast standard-essential patent (SEP) portfolio.
“We are pleased to extend the Apple license agreement,” said John Han, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), confirming the continuation of the multi-year partnership.
In 2019, the companies resolved a multi-billion-dollar global legal battle concerning patent royalties and licensing practices by executing a comprehensive settlement. That resolution included a multi-year chipset supply agreement alongside a six-year patent license agreement effective through 2025, which included a two-year extension option. The newly announced renewal formalizes licensing terms starting in spring 2027, ensuring legal clearance for Apple’s global hardware sales without disruption.