Apple appears to be making strides toward embedding its proprietary 5G cellular modem into its main chipset, marking a shift in its reliance on Qualcomm components. Reports indicate that the company is currently in the testing phase for the C2 modem, which is set to succeed the C1 modem, with the ultimate aim of enhancing energy efficiency and reducing costs.
Apple to Reportedly Integrate Its Modem With Main Chipset
In a recent update from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, it was disclosed that Apple is testing what are expected to be the C2 and C3 modems. These models are anticipated to debut as the successor to the existing C1 5G cellular modem. According to anonymous sources, the C2 modem could launch alongside Apple’s 2026 iPhone series.
Gurman noted that Apple’s current modem may not yet match the performance of Qualcomm’s offerings used in the iPhone 16 models, which might explain the limited discussion surrounding the milestone achieved with the iPhone 16e launch. Despite this, Apple has promoted the C1 modem as the “most power-efficient modem ever” in an iPhone, although evaluating efficiency remains a complex task.
Looking ahead, Apple is expected to outpace Qualcomm with the third version of its modem, tentatively set for release in 2027. Until then, analysts suggest that the modem will remain in a separate slot on the device’s motherboard. Plans to fully integrate the modem into the main chipset are not expected until 2028, as this move aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy for improved energy optimization and cost efficiency.
It’s worth noting that according to Apple’s specifications for the iPhone 16e, the C1 modem does not support mmWave technology, which operates at extremely high frequencies. This limitation could potentially impact the device’s download and upload speeds.
