Apple Unveils C1: Its First In-House 5G Modem for iPhone

Apple has officially introduced the C1, its first in-house 5G modem, designed to deliver fast and reliable 5G connectivity with improved power efficiency.

The chip debuts in the new iPhone 16e, a more affordable iPhone 16 model that was officially unveiled today.

Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.


Rumors suggest that Apple will also use the C1 chip in a new 'iPhone 17 Air' model expected later this year. While the C1 modem is said to underperform the Qualcomm modem used in previous-generation iPhones, Apple is reportedly aiming to surpass Qualcomm's performance by 2027.

A second-generation C2 modem, codenamed 'Ganymede,' is expected to debut in 2026, followed by the third-generation C3 modem, 'Prometheus,' in 2027.

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