A recent study funded by Qualcomm reveals that its modem chips outperform those developed by Apple, particularly in urban environments with high cellular traffic.
The report from Cellular Insights, commissioned by Qualcomm and shared with Bloomberg, indicates that the new iPhone 16e, which features Apple’s first in-house modem known as the C1, shows slower download and upload speeds on T-Mobile’s 5G network in New York City compared to Android devices equipped with Qualcomm technology.
After years of development, Apple introduced the C1 modem as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on outside suppliers. Modem chips are essential components of mobile phones, enabling connectivity to cellular networks for calls and internet access.
While the report notes that the C1 modem operates well under ideal conditions, it underperformed in scenarios where advanced modems are expected to excel. The findings highlight that in urban settings, indoor locations, or situations requiring high data uplinks, the performance benefits enjoyed by Qualcomm-powered Android devices are significant, quantifiable, and operationally relevant.
An Apple spokesperson has yet to respond to inquiries about the study.
By publicizing the findings, Qualcomm positions itself against one of its key clients. Historically, Apple has contributed about 20 percent of Qualcomm’s revenue, with Qualcomm being the exclusive supplier of modem chips for the iPhone lineup until the recent launch of the iPhone 16e. Meanwhile, Apple is actively working to integrate its own modem technology into future models, aiming to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm.
Qualcomm has indicated to investors that revenue from Apple modem sales may eventually drop to zero; however, the company plans to mitigate this loss by diversifying its business into new sectors.
Earlier this month, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed confidence in the initial success of the iPhone 16e, highlighting its modem as “the most energy-efficient ever in an iPhone.”
The study found that two comparably priced Android devices utilizing Qualcomm chips were up to 35% faster in downloading data and up to 91% quicker in uploading information. The performance disparity was particularly noticeable during periods of network congestion or when devices were situated further from cell towers.
The report also mentioned that the iPhone 16e tended to become “noticeably hot to the touch” and displayed aggressive screen dimming during just two-minute test segments. It did not address whether users would perceive any declines in data performance during everyday use nor did it cover battery life implications.
Modems communicate with carrier networks through radio waves, converting signals into voice and data for mobile devices. Enhancing signal strength, a common method to improve connectivity, requires energy and can affect battery lifespan.
Qualcomm asserts that modem technology is more complex to master than other chip types, emphasizing its expertise in adapting to different network conditions. Various factors, including weather, tall structures, and network congestion, can all impact the performance of mobile devices.
This push for in-house modem technology represents another stride by Apple to consolidate its technological capabilities. The company designs processors for its Mac and iPhone products, enabling greater customization and cost control.
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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
