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The company thinks Qualcomm's antenna is too large.

Apple is set to launch its first 5G-capable iPhone models this fall, and the chip that will make it all possible comes from Qualcomm.

More specifically, the 2020 iPhone is expected to receive Qualcomm's X55 chip, which is possible because Apple and Qualcomm entered into a settlement last year, following a lengthy dispute that ended in court.

But according to Fast Company, Apple may not be based solely on Qualcomm's 5G technology in the fall models. The site writes that Apple is working hard to be as independent of Qualcomm as possible. This means, among other things, that Apple is considering using a proprietary antenna system.

Is Qualcomm antenna too big?
The reason is probably that Qualcomm's antenna, called the QTM525, is too large by Apple's standards. The antenna, which allows access to the faster mmWave version of 5G, is therefore not suitable in the iPhone, Apple believes.

Apple has not yet decided whether the company will go for its own antenna or whether to use Qualcomm's antenna this year. Both options are still being considered, writes Fast Company.

Bet on own 5G chip
After Intel gave up its 5G commitment last year, Apple ended up buying the company's 5G division for $ 8.6 billion.

Apple is well on its way to producing its own 5G chips for future phones, but it will probably take a few years before we see the results of this work. So far, Apple will depend on Qualcomm. The question is just to what extent.