With the 16E iPhone, which arrived at the stores relatively recently, Apple premiered its C1 chip, the 5G modem made by the engineers of the Cupertino company themselves. Well, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Tim Cook's boys are already working on an improved version of this technology and we tell you what it will be.
This new chip not only will optimize energy consumption and speed of transmission, but will also incorporate MMWave supportthe technology that allows ultra -granted speeds to be achieved in certain areas. Modem is expected to enter mass production next year, consolidating Apple's independence from Qualcomm.
NEW MODEM C1 improved
The current modem C1 arrived with the 16E iPhone, but its absence of MMWave left it behind the Qualcomm chips in Terms of connectivityespecially in very populated urban areas, airports or stadiums. Although Apple has defended that the C1 is only the beginning of a new generation of chips, many users have noticed the difference in coverage and speed against models with third -party technology. However, the company is clear that its development will continue to evolve with each generation and the improved version of the C1 will be a key step in that direction.
The improved version of the chip would be released on which device, but there are several possibilities. Some rumors point to the assumption iPhone 17e as the first to equip itwhile others suggest that Apple could integrate it into the standard models of the iPhone 18 or even in some iPad. Wayne Ma, from The Informationargues that the company plans to launch in 2026 its own modem with MMWave support, which would reach the iPhone and, at least, an iPad model.
On the other hand, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg has pointed out that Apple already works in its next great evolution in connectivity: The C2, which is expected for 2026 And it would arrive exclusively at the iPhone 18 Pro models, demonstrating that the company will leave the most advanced 5G chips for the Pro range.
More autonomy and better connectivity
On a technical level, Kuo has shared details about the manufacturing process of improved modem C1. According to its sources, the chip will use 4/5NM technology for the base of its band, while low frequency and sub-6 GHz transceives will be manufactured in 7nm, as well as those of intermediate frequency. The PMIC, meanwhile, will use an older 55nm process. This detail is relevant, since modem chips do not depend on the most advanced processes, such as 3NM used in processors, to improve their transmission speed.
Apple ensures that C1 is the most efficient modem in energy consumption that has integrated into an iPhone to date, contributing to the iPhone 16E to offer the Better autonomy ever seen on a 6.1 -inch iPhone. With the new C1, the company could further improve the battery life without sacrificing speed or stability in the connection.
This development reinforces Apple's strategy reduce your Qualcomm dependencewhose Modems supply agreement remains in force until 2027. However, with the evolution of the C1 and the plans for the C2, the company seems determined to take total control of connectivity on its devices. The great unknown is whether this process will accelerate enough to see an iPhone completely free of Qualcomm before the current contract expires.
