Apple is planning to debut its first in-house cellular modem chips, a device that connects phones to mobile data networks, next year in a step towards replacing Qualcomm as its supplier, according to a recent report by Bloomberg News.

Qualcomm, the American tech company, has recently approached Intel regarding a potential takeover, according to a recent report by The Wall Street Journal.

Qualcomm has in recent days approached Intel to explore a potential acquisition of the troubled chipmaker, a source familiar with the situation said on Friday, in what could be a transformational deal in the sector but faces many hurdles

The problem stems from the fact that there is just one flagship iPhone running Apple's iOS platform, however a number of Android licensees are fighting it out to identify a hardware contender that can woo premium buyers.