The 2026 iPhone lineup could divest further from Qualcomm as Apple increases use of its in-house C-series modem, though Qualcomm blames supply constraints on a faster-than-expected transition. Qualcomm and Apple's relationship has been in question since Apple's release of an in-house C-series modem. As the iPhone and other Apple products look to get away from Qualcomm modems, a supply chain shortage offers an excellent loophole for escaping a contract earlier than expected. If Apple is able to include C-series modems in more of the iPhone 18 lineup than previously expected, that'll be a big win for Apple. The Qualcomm CEO suggests that Apple's revenue has been effectively replaced by its entry into the AI data center market.