It was rumored back in 2019 that Samsung could start supplying 5G modems to Apple in 2020. Samsung has already demonstrated its 5G modem capabilities with the Galaxy S10 5G in 2019, and since the company is in the business of supplying components to other companies including Apple, it didn't seem far-fetched.

A deal never materialized and Apple began sourcing 5G modems from Qualcomm instead. A new rumor now claims that a Samsung executive intentionally blew up the deal because he didn't want the company to help its biggest competitor.

The rumor comes from X tipster @Jukanlosreve in response to a Weibo post claiming that Samsung made unreasonable foundry-related demands from Apple in exchange for 5G modems. He alleges that Samsung wasn't trying to get a foundry contract from Apple, instead it was because Jung Hyun Ho, a top Samsung executive believed to be a close associate of Chairman Jay Y. Lee, wasn't keen on helping out Apple with 5G modems.

The allegation is difficult to take on face value since component sales are an important business segment for Samsung. The company was already supplying Apple with cutting-edge DRAM chips at that time and later began supplying its best OLED panels as well. Samsung is also reportedly going to supply the display panels for Apple's first foldable iPhone, so evidently the company isn't opposed to selling its tech to Apple.

The real story behind what happened may never see the light of day, but it did push Apple to start its own modem project. Apple has since introduced its first 5G modem, the C1, with the iPhone 16e. Its 5G modem licensing agreement with Qualcomm expires in 2027 and the iPhones that come after will most likely feature Apple's own 5G modems.