After the dramatic twist in the legal tussle between Apple and Qualcomm which ultimately lead to Intel’s withdrawal from mobile 5G development, some intriguing stories are unfolding. Some days ago, we reported that a leaked e-mail shows that Apple recruited Umashankar Thyagarajan, Intel’s main 5G engineer in February 2019. Now, there are reports that after the restructuring and sensational Qualcomm/Apple reconciliation, Apple’s 5G modem project leader, Ruben Caballero, has left the company.
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The executive originally joined Apple in 2005, and almost all of Apple’s 3G, 4G and other wireless network patent inventors have his name in the column. Yesterday, it was reported that Caballero’s name has been removed from Apple’s employee directory and organizational chart. With the recruitment of Intel’s engineer and the exit of Apple’s 5G modem project leader, its obvious that Apple’s 5G division is changing with the settlement agreement.
Although Qualcomm will supply all necessary chips to Apple, the American phone maker will still be working on its own chips. As for the 2019 iPhones, Intel will still be in charge of the 4G chips because it’s a little too late for Qualcomm to make the supply. If anything, both Intel and Qualcomm will supply the 4G chips for the 2019 iPhones.