Apple has revealed its first custom-designed modem chip, the C1 subsystem, which will help connect iPhones to wireless data networks and make the company less reliant on chips from Qualcomm. The chip is part of a new collection of components that will roll out across Apple’s products in the coming years.
According to Johny Srouji, senior vice president of hardware technologies, the C1 subsystem is the most complex technology Apple has ever built, with advanced 4-nanometer and 7-nanometer chipmaking technologies. The chips were tested with 180 carriers in 55 countries to ensure compatibility.
The C1 system will provide longer battery life for iPhones, particularly in the new iPhone 16e, which boasts the best battery life of any of its 6.1-inch phones. The chip also integrates tightly with Apple’s processor chips, allowing for more responsive performance and customized GPS systems.
However, the C1 chips will lack some features, such as millimeter-wave technology, which is a stronghold for Qualcomm. Apple executives did not provide details on when their chips will have this feature or how quickly they will phase out Qualcomm’s chips.
Qualcomm expects its share of Apple modems to drop to 20% by 2026, but the company plans to use its custom modem platform across more devices in the coming years. The C1 subsystem is a significant step towards reducing Apple’s reliance on external suppliers and creating a more integrated product line.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-reveals-first-custom-modem-chip-shifting-away-qualcomm-2025-02-19