Apple’s Refreshed C1 Modem: What We Know So Far
Apple is reportedly gearing up to release a refreshed version of its C1 modem next year, promising improvements in power efficiency, faster transmission speeds, and support for mmWave 5G technology. According to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company is tackling key challenges to make this possible.
What’s New About the Refreshed C1 Modem?
In a post on X (Twitter), Kuo explained that while supporting mmWave baseband isn’t particularly difficult, achieving stable performance with low power consumption remains a “key hurdle” for Apple. The C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e, currently lacks support for ultra-fast mmWave 5G technology.
This means users miss out on the incredible speeds mmWave provides in specific areas like stadiums, airports, and dense urban spaces. However, Apple says the C1 modem is just the beginning, promising ongoing improvements with future generations.
What Devices Will Feature the New Modem?
It’s still unclear which device will first feature the refreshed C1 modem. Rumors point to the possibility of an iPhone 17e, while other speculation suggests the modem could debut in an iPad or even the standard models of Apple’s iPhone 18 lineup.
Interestingly, The Information’s Wayne Ma predicts that Apple will unveil a new custom modem with mmWave 5G support in 2026. Ma expects this modem to appear in iPhones and “at least one iPad” that year.
Next-Gen C2 Modem on the Horizon
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also weighed in, reporting that Apple’s next-generation C2 modem is slated for a 2026 release. This chip is expected to debut exclusively in Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro models.
Technical Details of the C1 Modem
Kuo shared additional insights into the technical process behind the C1 modem, revealing the following details about the chip’s node technology:
- Baseband: 4/5nm (both technologies are similar)
- Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx (Transceivers): 7nm
- Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm
- PMIC: 55nm
Interestingly, Kuo noted that baseband chips don’t necessarily benefit from the latest advanced node technology (like 3nm), as it doesn’t significantly improve transmission speed. Because of this, Kuo believes Apple’s baseband won’t shift to a 3nm process for the next iteration.
The Current C1 Modem: A Power-Efficiency Champion
Despite its lack of mmWave support, Apple claims that the C1 modem is the most power-efficient modem it has ever used in an iPhone. This efficiency contributes to the iPhone 16e offering the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone to date.
With Apple’s commitment to constant innovation, the updated C1 modem and future advancements like the C2 are sure to play a major role in shaping the performance of upcoming devices. Stay tuned for more updates.
