Leaked Emails Reveal New Reason Apple, Qualcomm Parted Ways
- Executive emails suggest software was a sticking point
- Qualcomm CTO proposed ‘striking back at Apple,’ FTC says
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When Apple Inc. executive Jeff Williams told a courtroom that Qualcomm Inc. cut off chip supply for iPhones, it was compelling testimony in the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust case against the semiconductor company.
The FTC argues that Qualcomm won’t sell chips if customers don’t also pay hefty licensing fees. But a 2017 email exchange between Williams and Qualcomm Chief Executive Officer Steve Mollenkopf shows the relationship may have broken down for other reasons.