Apple C1 chip revealed as 1st in-house cellular 5G modem for iPhone 16e

Following the launch of the iPhone 16e, the brand also introduced its 1st ever-designed 5G modem.

The new Apple C1 chip

The 1st in-house modem from Apple

Apple took many years of development before ditching Qualcomm's modem and it appears they are testing it first on the newly announced budget iPhone. This innovation is made of a 4nm process and uses a 7nm transceiver.

iPhone 16e with C1 chip

It is believed that licensing fees could be the reason why Apple had to make its own product instead of relying on Qualcomm's 5G. Although the Cupertino-based firm also mentioned the "most power efficient modem ever on an iPhone".

This means Apple is still confident with regard to its reliability, efficiency, and speed in terms of 5G data connection despite lacking the "millimeter-wave 5G support".

Previously, Apple sourced modems from both Intel and Qualcomm for the same generation of iPhones. However, customers preferred Qualcomm's technology, leading Intel to eventually sell its modem business to Apple.

Now, it seems the company is testing the waters for the C1 chip first to gauge how will customers like the changes.

If the chips are indeed enough to replace the competition, there's a possibility we may see more of it in the upcoming iPhone 17 line. 

Given this, Apple has a few more months to assess until we see the next flagship series in September. However, it remains unclear if that time frame would be enough or if the company will take a few more years to evaluate. It will also depend on how well the customers will receive the iPhone 16e and their feedback.

So far Apple has found achievement in developing its own silicon chips just like the A-series for iPhones and M-series processors for Macs that were proven fast and efficient. The question now is whether its in-house modem can replicate that success.

What do you guys think?

Source: 9to5Mac