This is despite the iGiant swallowing Intel’s 5G modem business back in 2019 after the chipmaker said it was exiting that sector. Apple picked up about 2,200 Intel workers plus intellectual property in that deal, valued at $1 billion.

Bloomberg noted that Apple also has to be careful not to infringe Qualcomm’s patents, which may be slowing design efforts. In addition, the cellular standards themselves are a moving target as they continue to be developed and updated.