One of the standout features of Apple’s new mid-range device, the iPhone 16e, is its exceptional battery performance, largely attributed to the in-house developed C1 modem, which handles all cellular connectivity for the smartphone.

Apple claims that the iPhone 16e boasts the best battery life among 6.1-inch iPhones, a claim supported by our own testing, which revealed an estimated battery life exceeding 6 hours—20 minutes longer than the iPhone 15 but 20 minutes shorter than the iPhone 16.

A significant point of discussion, however, is that the iPhone 16e does not support mmWave 5G—the highest and fastest tier of 5G connectivity. While this may seem like a setback, most consumers may not notice the absence, as mmWave is still not widely adopted by mobile carriers.

Understanding mmWave 5G

It can be easy to overlook the specifics of mmWave 5G, so let’s quickly review its functionalities:

• Sub-6GHz 5G – This variant is popular due to its balance of speed and range. It operates efficiently over longer distances and can penetrate obstacles such as walls. This is the type of connectivity that the C1 modem supports.
• mmWave 5G – Known for its ultra-high speeds and multi-gigabit capabilities, mmWave suffers from limited range and vulnerability to physical barriers, making it suitable only for specific venues like stadiums or airports. Apple chose to exclude mmWave support in its inaugural modem iteration, prioritizing battery efficiency over raw speed.

Why the Apple C1 Modem Does Not Support mmWave 5G

As analyst Ming-Chi Kuo explains, creating a mobile modem is a more complex challenge for Apple than developing processors like the M-series chips for its Mac line. A modem must function seamlessly across various mobile network standards and remain energy-efficient. While the C1 modem successfully supports sub-6GHz 5G, it does not encompass mmWave functionalities.

Kuo emphasizes that the primary reason for omitting mmWave support in this first-generation modem is its power consumption. Enabling mmWave capability is not overly complicated, but achieving stability and energy efficiency remains a substantial hurdle. Thus, Apple focused on optimizing battery life for the initial release of the C1 modem.

Furthermore, the modem's manufacturing process also plays a role. While processors and GPUs have transitioned to smaller, more efficient nodes like 3nm, modems utilize a range of processes, from 4/5nm for the main processing unit to 55nm for power management.

A More Advanced Apple Modem on the Horizon

Excitingly, a successor to the C1 modem is already in development and is expected to enter mass production in the coming year. This new modem aims to further reduce power consumption, enhance data transfer rates, and will include support for mmWave 5G.

For mmWave compatibility, Apple plans to implement a 28nm process for its mmWave transceivers and associated front-end components. While 28nm is considered larger compared to Apple’s typical chip designs, such dimensions are fairly standard for wireless components as they don't demand the same efficiency enhancements required by CPUs.

Implications for iPhone Users

The introduction of the C1 modem marks a pivotal moment for Apple’s capabilities in smartphone technology. While users currently miss out on mmWave support, the advantages of Apple’s modem indicate a promising future filled with improved power efficiency and new features integrated with iOS.

For now, the absence of mmWave support is unlikely to disrupt the experience for most iPhone users, making the iPhone 16e a strong contender for those considering it.