https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/25/technology/qualcomm-apple...
The previous Intel 4g modem performed poorly. Equivalent iPhones with Qualcomm modems (for Verizon) were purposefully reduced in performance to match the bad part obtained from Intel.
"The chipmaker claims that Apple also threatened the chipmaker to prevent it revealing it throttled Qualcomm-powered iPhones. A minor controversy erupted last year after tests found the iPhone 7 from Verizon could download data faster than the iPhone 7 from AT&T, but didn't."
https://www.zdnet.com/article/iphone-7-throttling-qualcomm-s...
Mediatek sells 5g modems. Taking these on as a secondary source seems cheaper, and would cause less legal risk. Apple could buy 20% of the company if they wanted design influence.
Agreed. Apple long ago learned that they could plant rumors rather than just be subject to them, and I'd bet Apple planted this one to cool the rumor mill on this topic since they know they're still several years away from shipping homegrown solutions.
It also seems very unlikely. That would get Apple out of having to deal with Qualcomm and paying them so much.
Apple is willing to spend a lot of money for that kind of independence. Even if it takes a very long time.