Apple stole patented technology from Qualcomm (recall in the Apple/Samsung lawsuit, they claimed to always do their own homework). Apple did this because they didn't want to be reliant on a single source for modems for future iPhones. That makes it hard to gouge your supplier. Apple transferred this information to Intel, encouraging it to develop a modem of their own and offering the iPhone market to pay for the development costs.
Qualcomm sued Apple in global venues for $1 billion. Apple lost in Germany and China, and things are not looking good in the UK. In addition, Intel was reportedly experiencing delays getting their modems ready in time for inclusion in this fall's iPhones.
So today, in the middle of the trial, Apple settled the Qualcomm suit for an undisclosed amount and agreed to pay what Qualcomm demanded for its technology. Given the circumstances, I'll bet a doughnut that the amount Apple paid was a lot closer to $1 billion than it was to $0
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