Apple continues to push ahead with the development of its own chips. After introducing its first proprietary cellular modem, the C1, in the iPhone 16e, the second generation is already expected for the iPhone 18 Pro. The C2 modem is expected to be not only faster but also more energy-efficient and support mmWave technology in the US. This represents another step toward Apple's independence from Qualcomm, whose modems have been used in most iPhones to date.
For years, Apple has been working to take complete control of its hardware. The company has long been dependent on Qualcomm, especially in the area of cellular modems, but with the C1 modem, Apple has begun to move away from this. The C2 modem, which is expected to be installed in the iPhone 18 Pro, is expected to continue this strategy. Analysts expect significant improvements in speed, efficiency, and network coverage.
Apple's transition to its own modems
The contract between Apple and Qualcomm runs until March 2027. Nevertheless, Apple is already working on several generations of its own modems. The first, the C1, was introduced in the iPhone 16e and is said to be the most energy-efficient iPhone modem to date. According to analyst Jeff Pu, the C1 modem will also be used in this year's ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air." For the iPhone 17 Pro models, however, Apple will likely continue to rely on Qualcomm modems. The C2 modem is expected to mark the next step in Apple's independent chip development with the iPhone 18 Pro next year. Ming-Chi Kuo, another well-known analyst, reported some time ago that Apple is working on several modem generations. In addition to the C2, the C3 modem is also being developed and could be released in the coming years (via GF Securities).
Technical improvements to the C2 modem
The C2 modem is expected to be optimized in several areas. It could particularly benefit in the US from support for mmWave technology. This enables significantly higher 5G speeds, especially in cities with dense infrastructure. In addition to pure speed, energy efficiency is also likely to play a key role. The C1 modem is already considered very power-efficient, but Apple could further extend the battery life of iPhones with the C2 modem. Power consumption is often a critical factor, especially for mobile data connections. Another advantage could be improved network coverage. While Qualcomm modems have previously been considered the industry standard, Apple has the opportunity to optimally tune its own hardware for the iOS operating system. This could result in a more stable connection and better performance in less developed regions.
Why Apple relies on its own modems
Developing its own modems gives Apple more control over the entire device architecture. The company can better tailor its chips to its own requirements and is no longer dependent on external suppliers. Another advantage is the long-term cost savings. While Apple has to pay licensing fees for Qualcomm modems, with its own modems, the company can better control production costs. Furthermore, by developing its own modems, Apple could respond more flexibly to new technologies. In the past, the company had to wait for Qualcomm to supply suitable chips. With its own modem division, Apple could implement new network standards more quickly.
iPhone 18 Pro: Progress through in-house modem development
With the C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple is consistently pursuing its strategy of in-house development. Users can benefit from faster 5G speeds, improved energy efficiency, and optimized network coverage. At the same time, Apple is becoming less dependent on Qualcomm and strengthening its control over the entire hardware architecture. Whether the C2 modem actually surpasses Qualcomm remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Apple is continuing to push ahead with its development in this area and is already working on the next generations. The iPhone 18 Pro could thus be another iPhone that relies entirely on Apple's own modem, ushering in a new era for mobile technology. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Getty Images)
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