Yeah, it's Apple, they don't really talk about future plans unless it's some vague or obscure comment (we have "magical" things set to come out soon). Not to mention, Qualcomm is probably watching them like a hawk ready to unleash their billion dollar law firms at even the slightest hint of an Apple modem.

The delay is likely Qualcomm's anti-competitive behaviour and patents, something Q has been hoarding since the early 2000s.

But they are 100% looking to exist that deal and just bring it in-house. I imagine that's Apple's end-game: to bring all sub-components into their own. No more licensing, no more idiots that don't innovate. It's just win win for them.