Apple made a significant advance this year with the introduction of its first in-house modem, the Apple C1, debuting alongside the iPhone 16e. This marks a strategic shift towards reducing dependency on external suppliers, specifically Qualcomm, for essential components. However, the initial performance assessments indicate that Apple’s maiden venture into modem technology may not meet expectations, with the C1 receiving a “terrible” rating compared to Qualcomm’s offerings. Recent tests highlight that the C1 modem lags in performance against Qualcomm’s products.

An in-depth analysis by tipster LITTERTREE66 further supports these concerns, evaluating the modem’s PPA (Power, Performance, and Area) as “terrible.” Comments from a translated post on Weibo effectively summarize the prevailing sentiment: aside from energy efficiency, the C1 has few advantages, prompting hopes for a more impressive C2 model in the future. A significant issue with the C1 modem is its absence of mmWave support, which is crucial for high-speed 5G connectivity in densely populated areas. Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple aimed to integrate nmWave 5G technology but encountered challenges that could compromise power consumption, leading to its omission from the C1.

Looking ahead, the forthcoming Apple C2 modem is expected to address these shortcomings, promising improvements in power efficiency, transmission speeds, and mmWave support. The C2 is speculated to feature in the iPhone 18 Pro models, potentially replacing Qualcomm’s technology in Apple’s flagship devices. Reports suggest Apple aims to outperform Qualcomm’s modems by 2027, though the current situation with the C1 indicates significant work remains to achieve this goal. In the meantime, the C1 may find its way into future entry-level iPads.

Additionally, the transition of the iPhone SE line to a rebranded “e” model hints at possible annual releases. This evolving landscape of modem technology at Apple is sure to intrigue tech enthusiasts.