In a recent exclusive interview, John Han, senior vice president and general manager of Qualcomm Technology Licensing (QTL), outlined the company’s robust position in the 5G ecosystem and its forward-looking strategies. With Qualcomm’s 5G licensing program achieving over 90% penetration in global smartphones, Han emphasized the stability of renewals amid a maturing market. This dominance stems from Qualcomm’s extensive patent portfolio, which has been pivotal in standardizing 5G technologies worldwide.

Han highlighted that while smartphone licensing remains a cornerstone, the company is pivoting toward emerging opportunities. Renewals with major players like Apple, extended through 2026 as reported in various outlets, underscore Qualcomm’s leverage in negotiations. However, Han noted challenges in regions with varying regulatory environments, where fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms continue to be a focal point.

Shifting Gears to 6G Horizons

Looking ahead, Qualcomm is aggressively investing in 6G research and development, with Han describing it as an evolution that builds on 5G’s foundation. According to details shared in the interview with IAM, the company aims to integrate advanced AI and machine learning into 6G networks, enabling seamless connectivity for immersive applications like extended reality (XR) and digital twins. This aligns with Qualcomm’s broader R&D efforts, as evidenced in a March 2025 report from RCR Wireless News, which detailed the company’s blueprint for evolving networks toward revolutionary user experiences.

Industry insiders point out that 6G could redefine data speeds and latency, potentially reaching terabit-per-second rates. Han stressed Qualcomm’s role in global standards bodies like 3GPP, where the company is pushing for Release 20 features that bridge 5G-Advanced to 6G, as discussed in a recent podcast by Microwave Journal featuring Qualcomm experts. Recent posts on X from Qualcomm Research & Technologies echo this excitement, highlighting workshops on AI-native wireless systems set for September 2025.

Adapting Strategies for IoT Expansion

On the Internet of Things (IoT) front, Han revealed Qualcomm’s tailored licensing approaches to accommodate diverse device types, from low-power sensors to industrial machinery. Unlike uniform smartphone royalties, IoT licensing involves flexible models based on device value and functionality, addressing the fragmented nature of this market. This strategy is crucial as IoT adoption surges, with Qualcomm extending 5G capabilities beyond phones, as noted in a 2022 analysis by Forbes.

Challenges persist, including competition from open-source alternatives and regulatory scrutiny. A July 2025 news piece from TradingView reported Qualcomm’s $75 million antitrust settlement, which could influence future IoT negotiations. Yet, partnerships, such as a recent workshop with India’s C-DOT on 5G-Advanced and IoT, signal collaborative growth, as shared in X posts by C-DOT.

Exploring Multimedia Licensing Opportunities

Han also delved into multimedia licensing, particularly video streaming, where Qualcomm sees untapped potential. With patents covering codecs and compression technologies, the company is exploring deals with streaming giants to monetize innovations in high-definition content delivery over 5G networks. This move diversifies revenue streams amid slowing smartphone growth.

Analysts view this as a strategic hedge, especially as 6G promises enhanced multimedia experiences. A 2022 demo overview from RCR Wireless News showcased Qualcomm’s early work in AI-driven interfaces, which could bolster multimedia applications. X users, including tech influencers like Evan Kirstel, have amplified Han’s interview, sparking discussions on Qualcomm’s licensing evolution.

Navigating Challenges and Future Implications

Despite these advancements, Qualcomm faces headwinds like geopolitical tensions and competition from Huawei’s satellite-integrated devices, as hinted in 2023 X posts by analysts like tphuang. Han remains optimistic, citing Qualcomm’s history of innovation and a patent portfolio exceeding 140,000 assets.

For industry players, Qualcomm’s trajectory suggests a licensing model that adapts to technological shifts, potentially setting benchmarks for 6G commercialization by the early 2030s. As 5G matures, the focus on renewals and diversification into IoT and multimedia could sustain Qualcomm’s leadership, provided it navigates antitrust and market dynamics adeptly. This positions the company not just as a chipmaker, but as a pivotal architect of next-generation connectivity.