Apple is making significant strides in the world of telecommunications as it develops its first in-house 5G modem, the C1, introduced with the iPhone 16e. This new step marks Apple's arrival in the 5G modem landscape, although the current model comes with limitations that hinder its usage in the premium iPhone lineup. In a recent report, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is actively working on an upgraded version of the C1 modem which will feature mmWave support, expanding its capabilities and presence in the 5G market.
The existing C1 modem only supports sub-6GHz 5G, built with varying semiconductor process nodes: a 4nm or 5nm baseband for low frequencies, 7nm for intermediate frequencies, and a 55nm Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). However, Kuo points out that for the next version, Apple is planning to integrate mmWave transceivers and front-end components utilizing a 28nm process node, aiming to deliver the fastest 5G speeds available in regions that provide mmWave technology.
Kuo emphasizes that while integrating mmWave is feasible, creating a modem that maintains stability and power efficiency is a more complex challenge. He also notes that the transition to a 3nm baseband in the upcoming C1 version is unlikely, as the baseband is not the most power-intensive aspect of a 5G modem, leaving limited advantages to such a shift.
Currently, it’s anticipated that the iPhone 17 Air will utilize the C1 chip alongside Apple’s new proprietary Wi-Fi chip, while other models in the iPhone 17 family will continue relying on Qualcomm’s existing 5G modem while also adapting the new Apple Wi-Fi chip, marking a strategic shift from previously used Broadcom components.
The implications of ongoing agreements and the lack of mmWave capability might affect the integration of the C1 modem across various iPhone 17 models. However, there is a strong possibility that the refreshed C1 modem will play a larger role in the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup as well. As for a successor, plans for an Apple C2 modem remain undisclosed for now.
Apple iPhone 16e
| 128GB 8GB RAM |
$ 599.99
|
$ 729.96
|
| 256GB 8GB RAM |
$ 699.99
|
$ 839.96
|
| Show all prices |
