Apple Unveils 'C1' as First Custom Cellular Modem

Apple today announced its first custom cellular modem with the name "C1," debuting in the all-new iPhone 16e.

apple c1
The new modem contributes to the ‌iPhone 16e‌'s power efficiency, giving it the longest battery life of any iPhone with a 6.1-inch display, such as the ‌iPhone‌ 15 and iPhone 16.

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.

No other Apple devices contain the C1. All other ‌iPhone‌ models use modems from Qualcomm. Similar to how Apple Silicon allowed Apple to move away from Intel processors, Apple's 5G modem allows the company to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm.

Related Roundup: iPhone 16e
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Caution)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

ELman Avatar
12 months ago
Good luck Beta Testers.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
12 months ago

Fantastic. Sick of Qualcomm’s highway robbery monopoly. Keep pumping out the silicon designs, Apple.
And how great that some of that savings got passed through to us customers at "only $599" pricing! Else, now who's getting robbed? ???
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anshuvorty Avatar
12 months ago
Here we go!! This is definitely making it's way to the Mac....I am sure of it!! Can't wait when it happens!!
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProbablyDylan Avatar
12 months ago
I wonder if / when we'll see this in cellular Apple Watches. Lord knows those need all the help they can get when it comes to efficiency.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacBird Avatar
12 months ago
Can't wait to see the performance compared with Qualcomm's modems.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Velin Avatar
12 months ago
Fantastic. Sick of Qualcomm’s highway robbery monopoly. Keep pumping out the silicon designs, Apple.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)