Recent reports suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 may not fully embrace Apple's in-house C1 modem technology, with only one model, the iPhone 17 Air, expected to utilize this advancement. This decision comes amidst Apple's efforts to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm for wireless chip technology. While the iPhone 16e introduced the C1 modem, which was designed to eventually replace Qualcomm's modems, the majority of the iPhone 17 lineup, including the standard 17, Pro, and Pro Max, are likely to stick with Qualcomm modems for the time being. The limited rollout of the C1 modem could be attributed to its current lack of mmWave support, preventing it from delivering the fastest cellular speeds possible. However, future iterations of the C1 modem are anticipated to address these limitations and lead to a full transition across all iPhone models by 2027. In addition to the modem, Apple is also set to introduce a new in-house Wi-Fi chip, codenamed "Proxima," in the iPhone 17 series, offering cost-saving benefits and enhanced connectivity across Apple devices.
The transition towards Apple's in-house wireless chip technology could signal new possibilities for streamlined interactions and a more integrated user experience within the Apple ecosystem. Stay tuned for further updates on the iPhone 17's wireless chip advancements as we approach its launch.
