Almost ten years ago now, Qualcomm and Apple began suing each other. Apple's position was Qualcomm was playing hardball with patents that ought have a FRAND license. Qualcomm's position was Apple was being mean, and then also to sue various downstream part contractors for not paying royalties they claimed were owed to them but that Apple was contesting. In general Apple won more of the litigation than they lost (but not all), and the litigation eventually ended in a large settlement. But Apple said at the time of the settlement, that it was untenable to have to source all of their LTE stuff from Qualcomm and they planned to secure their supply chain in the coming years. This is that statement now coming to fruition.
So in toto, my impression is that this isn't fundamentally about seeking any particular cost savings or technical difference, so much as it Apple trying to disentangle themselves from external suppliers who they view as hostile or undependable.
So in toto, my impression is that this isn't fundamentally about seeking any particular cost savings or technical difference, so much as it Apple trying to disentangle themselves from external suppliers who they view as hostile or undependable.