The brand new iPhone 16e is provided with Apple’s custom-designed C1 modem for 5G and LTE connectivity, whereas all different present iPhone fashions depend on Qualcomm modems. Whereas the common buyer is unlikely to care about this variation, it’s a large deal for Apple, which had been working by itself mobile modem since at the very least 2018.
We’re nonetheless ready on C1 modem velocity exams, however it’s anticipated that Apple’s first modem will present slower 5G speeds in comparison with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem in iPhone 16 fashions. Apple absolutely goals to finally catch as much as and even surpass Qualcomm in modem efficiency, however that objective would possibly take a number of years.
Within the meantime, Apple says the C1 modem is already probably the most power-efficient modem in an iPhone ever, contributing to the iPhone 16e providing the longest battery lifetime of any 6.1-inch iPhone mannequin, together with the common iPhone 16. Apple is understood for having glorious {hardware} and software program integration, and that is the most recent instance of that.
Apple has repeatedly stated the C1 modem is simply the beginning. In a press launch this week, centered on U.S. manufacturing commitments, Apple closely implied that it’ll launch extra gadgets with {custom} 5G modems sooner or later.
From the announcement, emphasis ours:
Apple C1 provides a brand new chapter to the story of Apple silicon and is the results of years of R&D funding, bringing collectively the work of hundreds of engineers. Apple C1 is the beginning of a long-term technique that will permit Apple to innovate and optimize the modem system for extra Apple merchandise.
Which gadgets would possibly get an Apple-designed modem subsequent?
Based on Apple provide chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air coming later this yr will even function the C1 modem.
As well as, mobile iPad 11 configurations could be candidate for the C1 modem. Apple is anticipated to announce the iPad 11 in March or April.
Past that, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported that Apple has thought-about including 5G modems to future Mac and Imaginative and prescient Professional fashions.
Apple has publicly acknowledged that it begins growing future A-series processors for iPhones as much as 4 years upfront, and that doubtless applies to C-series modems as effectively. Gurman and others have stated that Apple is already engaged on C2 and C3 modems. With the C2 modem, Apple is aiming so as to add mmWave 5G help. With the C3 modem, Apple is outwardly aiming to outperform Qualcomm’s modems.
All 4 iPhone 18 fashions, and the iPad Professional, may very well be outfitted with the C2 modem.
Additional out, Apple is anticipated to merge the modem into the iPhone’s A-series chip.
Why did Apple develop its personal iPhone modem? One, it eliminates the danger of counting on an exterior provider, particularly for single-sourced parts like Qualcomm’s modems. Second, Apple has had a rocky relationship with Qualcomm. The 2 corporations did settle a lawsuit and prolong their modem provide settlement for iPhones by March 2027, however Apple is probably going aiming to keep away from extending that contract any additional.
Apple initially tried to cut back its reliance on Qualcomm by utilizing Intel modems in some iPhone fashions, from the iPhone 7 by to the iPhone 11 sequence. Nonetheless, this was a controversial resolution, as exams confirmed the Intel modems had inferior efficiency in comparison with the Qualcomm modems. Apple returned to utilizing solely Qualcomm modems when iPhone 12 fashions ushered within the 5G period, nevertheless it additionally determined to design its personal modem as a longer-term answer. In 2019, Apple acquired nearly all of Intel’s smartphone modem enterprise, and now the C1 modem has lastly debuted after years of improvement.
Finally, each mobile Apple system will doubtless have a C-series modem.
