The launch of the budget iPhone 16e introduced Apple’s custom C1 modem, touted as the most power-efficient on the market. However, the current modem has limitations: it’s an external component not integrated into the SoC, affecting power management and performance, and it lacks mmWave 5G connectivity. Apple aims to improve this by developing a second-generation modem, although it won’t be available soon. To bridge the gap, Apple has signed a 5G modem deal with Qualcomm, effective until 2027, suggesting that the next-generation modem will come after this agreement.
The introduction of the budget-friendly iPhone 16e heralded the arrival of the much-anticipated custom in-house C1 modem. As stated by Apple, this modem is touted to be the most energy-efficient on the market, and reports suggest that the company intends to enhance its modem further and embed it into its upcoming chipsets.
The existing C1 modem comes with certain limitations. Firstly, it operates as an external modem rather than being integrated into the SoC, which puts it at a disadvantage regarding power efficiency, overall performance, control, and manufacturing costs. This is a key reason why Apple is aiming for future integration. Additionally, the modem lacks support for mmWave 5G connectivity, a feature that many contemporary chipsets provide.
Mark Gurman reports that Apple is already working on its second-generation modem, though it is not expected to be released anytime soon. This may explain why Apple has entered into a 5G modem agreement with Qualcomm, which extends until 2027, indicating that the next-generation modem will be released thereafter.
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