Apple’s first custom-designed modem chip, the C1, has lastly made its debut within the iPhone 16e, which Apple introduced on Wednesday. It is a vital milestone within the firm’s efforts to cut back reliance on exterior suppliers like Qualcomm. Nevertheless, the C1 lacks assist for ultra-fast mmWave 5G know-how, and the chip’s limitations are anticipated to increase to the upcoming ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.
Whereas touted by Apple as their most power-efficient mobile chip up to now, the C1 modem at present helps solely sub-6GHz 5G networks. This implies customers will not have entry to the exceptionally quick speeds that mmWave know-how can present in particular areas resembling stadiums, airports, and dense city areas.
Based on Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman and trade analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 17 Air will make the most of the identical C1 modem, suggesting it too will lack mmWave assist. In the meantime, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max are anticipated to proceed utilizing Qualcomm modems, so they are going to retain entry to the complete spectrum of 5G capabilities, together with mmWave.
The excellence between mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G is price noting. Whereas mmWave provides ultra-fast speeds at brief distances, making it ultimate for crowded city environments, sub-6GHz 5G offers broader protection with slower however nonetheless succesful speeds. In lots of international locations, sub-6GHz networks stay extra prevalent than mmWave installations.
Based on Gurman, Apple is already creating its second-generation 5G modem, which can embrace mmWave assist. This improved chip is predicted to debut within the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, promising theoretical obtain speeds of as much as 6 Gbps, which is a big enhance from the C1’s reported 4 Gbps functionality. In 2027, Gurman expects Apple to launch its third-generation modem. Apple is seemingly aiming for this modem to high Qualcomm’s modems when it comes to efficiency and AI options.
Apple’s present settlement with Qualcomm extends by means of 2026, giving Apple ample time to good its modem know-how whereas it has entry to Qualcomm’s modems for its premium iPhone fashions.
