With the launch of the iPhone 16E a few weeks ago, Apple took a giant step on the way to achieve its technological independence. He did it with the adoption of his first modem designed by the company itself, the C1. But the question is: is it up to the Qualcomm chip? We already have here the First testwith more than interesting answers.
Until now, the iPhone have depended on the Qualcomm chips for mobile connectivity, but with this new component, Apple wants to reduce that dependence and optimize the performance of their devices. In this context, it is impossible not to ask us the question: Are they faster than Qualcomm?
MODEM C1 vs Qualcomm: Which is better
According to the data collected by Ookla, the 16E iPhone with Modem C1 exceeds speed of download to the iPhone 16 in some operators, but loses in others. In the United States, Verizon and AT&T users have seen their medium discharge speeds on the iPhone 16E compared to the iPhone 16 equipped with the Qualcomm modem. However, in the T-Mobile network, the Qualcomm Modem has been the clear winner, with a discharge speed 24% higher than the C1. This difference could be due to the optimization of T-Mobile for advanced 5G networks and the aggregate of operators, something that the C1 still does not manage with the same effectiveness.
One of the most obvious limitations of modem C1 is the absence of compatibility with MMWAVE 5G, the fastest version of 5G found in urban areas and allows extremely high speeds. This means that, in environments where MMWave is available, the iPhone 16 with Qualcomm modem has a clear advantage. However, outside these areas, the C1 has proven to be a worthy rival, and has even offered better performance in poor coverage situations, something that can be key.
The C2 is on the way
Another section where the iPhone 16E stands out is in the upload speed, where it exceeds the iPhone 16 in all the operators analyzed. In addition, C1 not only wants to compete in terms of speed, but also in efficiency. Apple ensures that this modem consumes less energy than those of Qualcomm, which translates into greater battery autonomy on the 16E iPhone compared to the iPhone 16, something decisive for those who prioritize the battery life.
The launch of the C1 modem on the 16E iPhone marks the beginning of a new Apple strategy to manufacture more more components of its devices hardware. It is not an isolated play, but the first phase of a plan that already has its next step in motion: the future modem C2, which Apple is developing to include MMWave 5g support and further improve general performance.
Although the C1 still fails to overcome in all aspects the Qualcomm modems, it shows that Apple is on the right path to become independent and offer a viable alternative. The transition will not be immediate, but if Apple manages to optimize its modems in the next generations, Qualcomm could lose one of its most important customers. Meanwhile, iPhone 16E users can enjoy a device with great energy efficiency and good performance in most situations.
