Adapted by:
Javier Lacort
Senior WriterI write long-form content at Xataka about the intersection between technology, business and society. I also host the daily Spanish podcast Loop infinito (Infinite Loop), where we analyze Apple news and put it into perspective.
Karen Alfaro
WriterCommunications professional with a decade of experience as a copywriter, proofreader, and editor. As a travel and science journalist, I've collaborated with several print and digital outlets around the world. I'm passionate about culture, music, food, history, and innovative technologies.
For years, Apple has depended on Qualcomm for 5G modems in its iPhones. This uneasy partnership is something Apple has long aimed to end, especially after acquiring Intel’s modem division for $1 billion in 2019.
Why it matters. With the launch of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, Apple is taking a major step toward greater control over its hardware. This move brings two key advantages:
- Cost savings on licensing fees.
- Better integration with Apple’s custom chips.
Inside the C1 modem. The iPhone 16e is the first device to feature the C1, which Apple claims is “the most power-efficient modem ever used in an iPhone.” The choice to introduce it in the entry-level model seems strategic—if any performance issues arise, they’ll have a smaller impact than on the Pro models.
Key details:
- Supports low-frequency 5G bands.
- Lacks mmWave (millimeter-wave) 5G support.
- Optimized for battery efficiency.
- Integrated with the A18 Bionic processor.
Between the lines. Apple is playing it safe. The C1 is launching in the iPhone 16e, while the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro continue using Qualcomm modems. This measured approach suggests Apple is still refining its modem technology before fully transitioning away from third-party suppliers.
What’s next? 2026 will be a turning point. That’s when the contract of Apple with Qualcomm expires, and by then, the C1 and its successors will need to be ready to power all iPhones.
Over the next few months, the industry will closely watch how the C1 performs—and what this shift means for Apple and its users. Regardless, this is a strategic move that could have far-reaching implications for Apple’s future in wireless technology.
Image | Apple
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