alt Hacker NewsThe CPU/SOC operates independently with limited protocols (such as PCIe, NVMe, etc.). In contrast, a baseband processor must communicate with various base stations and core networks, requiring precise timing, physical signal alignment, and correct message formats. Even though the 3GPP defines mobile network standards, achieving full compatibility remains extremely challenging.
When you're apple, you can just be mostly compliant, and the worlds mobile networks will have to work around your bugs.
Nobody will use a phone company that doesn't work with iPhones.