After years of development, Apple has unveiled what it calls C1, its first-ever in-house cellular modem. Apple’s latest silicon replaces Qualcomm modem chips previously required for 5G connectivity in the iPhone.
The first Apple product to use the new C1 chip is the iPhone 16e, Apple’s latest entry-level model that replaces the iPhone SE line.
Here’s what Apple says about its first-ever modem:
Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.
Why does Apple want to replace Qualcomm with its own modem technology? Licensing fees are probably the biggest factor, but the answer is also in that description: “most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone.”
”Fast and reliable 5G connectivity” will be the biggest test for Apple’s C1 modem. Years ago, Apple sourced Intel and Qualcomm modems in the same generation iPhone. Customers preferred Qualcomm, and Intel sold its modem business to Apple.
For that reason, Apple is testing the C1 modem in its newest iPhone, but not its flagship models. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro use Qualcomm chips for now. Will that change with the iPhone 17 line, or will Apple take the next year to assess C1 performance in the real world first? Only time will tell.
For now, Apple has just taken control of another piece of the iPhone stack previously held by a competing firm.
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