Apple has introduced its custom-designed C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to develop its own cellular technology. This move comes after years of research and development, with thousands of engineers contributing to the project.
The C1 modem will power the iPhone 16e’s 5G and LTE connectivity, offering improved efficiency compared to other modems on the market. Apple claims it is the most power-efficient modem ever designed for an iPhone, resulting in longer battery life.
While the C1 modem’s performance may be slower than Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem at first, Apple aims to eventually catch up or surpass its rival. The company believes this will take several years and has already begun working on subsequent modem designs, including the C2 and C3 models.
Future devices expected to feature the C-series modems include the iPhone 17 Air, upcoming iPad 11 configurations, Mac, and Vision Pro models. Apple is also exploring the possibility of integrating the modem directly into its A-series chip.
This development marks a significant step forward for Apple’s hardware and software integration, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation. As Apple continues to refine its cellular technology, it appears that every future cellular Apple device will be equipped with C-series modems.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2025/02/26/future-devices-with-apple-5g-modem