No doubt that at the end of the day, this was the best outcome of the Apple dispute. Continuing a partnership is always much better than any litigation , in my book/ But why did Apple com to his senses in this moment. Did they really see that they were going to lose on all fronts? Just a couple of days ago the companies were eager to take each other down, and now we see this. I guess things turn around real quickly in life...
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Good to see the hardest-working Director at Q is still posting
Traditionally Apple NEVER cross-licenses without a gun held to their head. This is QCOM's win through and through.
Apple got what they wanted, lower licensing fee, patent cross license, etc.
We gave in, cried Uncle. Imagine the negative impact of the juries verdict, would have decimated Qualcomm.
Apple could have waited a few more weeks for the FTC trial verdict. It wouldn't have materially changed their overall 5G picture by much. My 2cents, it wasnt intel bailing or 5G that made it change their mind..
Possibilities
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maybe they got wind of the Judges decision in FTC trial, ruling for Qualcomm, in which case they would have to settle with qcom for worser terms
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They were able to bargain down, and come up with reasonable licence terms, that made it worth not taking the risk, and waiting for the trial decision.
Apple didn't have the IP. If they didn't want to get left behind in 5G, they had to come to a settlement, or get stuck with Intel's inferior technology. Considering they just cancelled their 5G team, obviously they had nothing going.
SM caved to TCs demands. After that things fell into place real fast