Rumor: Apple wants to take over Intel’s German modem division

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

Intel would be interested in a takeover of technology and people, as 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 a rumor earlier that Apple was interested in Intel’s modem technology, but those talks are said to have stopped.

Because it is not a separate company, Apple would not take over an entire company. Therefore, it is only about technology and patents. Apple struck a similar deal with British Dialog Semiconductor. Intel has been a supplier of 4G modems for iPhones for several years, due to 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 customers of Intel modems.

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 only be ready for use in smartphones around 2025.