Apple's Custom Modem Chip Brings Huge Breakthrough

Apple has released its first internally designed cellular modem chip, the C1, in the iPhone 16E. The move is a big step towards ending Apple's dependency on Qualcomm for iPhone parts. The C1 contains a 4-nanometer baseband modem and a 7-nanometer transceiver, representing Apple's most sophisticated technology so far. Though it features ordinary 5G connectivity, it does not include millimeter wave support like in Qualcomm's chips. Apple aims to roll out C1 throughout its product portfolio, potentially dropping Qualcomm's percentage of Apple modems to around 20% in 2026. The chip was stress-tested with 180 carriers across 55 nations to support worldwide compatibility. The move follows years of work and a $1 billion purchase of Intel's smartphone modem business in 2019.

 

Source: Telecom Tech News