Apple Working on Refreshed C1 Modem With mmWave Support [Kuo]

Apple is already working on an updated version of its in-house C1 modem, refining the process technology for improved efficiency and performance, according to a new report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a post on X today, Kuo says Apple's new C1 modem iteration will arrive next year with a mix of process nodes tailored specifically to each component. Currently, he reveals that the C1 modem found in Apple's new iPhone 16e is using the following process technologies...

● Baseband: 4/5nm (minimal differences between these technologies)
● Low-frequency/Sub-6GHz Transceivers (TRx): 7nm
● Intermediate Frequency (IF) Transceivers: 7nm
● Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC): 55nm


The refreshed C1 modem, expected in 2026, aims to deliver enhanced power efficiency, improved transmission speeds, and notably, introduce support for mmWave technology. Both mmWave transceivers and front-end components will utilize a 28nm process. Kuo emphasizes that while adding mmWave support isn't particularly challenging, achieving consistent performance alongside low power consumption remains a key challenge.

Kuo also notes that, in contrast to processors and GPUs, baseband chips typically don't rapidly adopt the latest advanced nodes because these upgrades rarely provide significant improvements in transmission speeds or justify their high costs. Consequently, Apple isn't likely to transition its modem chips to more advanced 3nm processes in the near future.

This approach by Apple balances performance gains with practical cost considerations, suggesting that further node advancements below 4nm for baseband technology may not happen in the immediate future.

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