Last week, Apple unveiled its first in-house cellular modem, the C1, alongside the introduction of the iPhone 16e. While the company didn’t reveal too many technical details about it, reports suggest that Apple has big plans for future iterations. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple aims to integrate the modem component directly into the main processor in the coming years.
Such an integration could bring significant energy efficiency and cost benefits, but it’s still a long way off. Gurman states that Apple is currently testing the C2 and C3 modems, which will likely retain the current standalone design. The fully integrated modem-processor combination is not expected to debut until at least 2028.
During the C1 modem’s launch, Apple emphasized that it is the most power-efficient modem ever in an iPhone. The iPhone 16e, priced at $599, comes with an A18 chip featuring four GPU cores and supports Apple Intelligence—though this may not have been the primary feature that users were hoping for.
Apple’s move to develop and integrate its own modems aligns with its broader strategy of reducing dependence on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm. Once this integration is achieved, devices could see improved power efficiency, enhanced performance, and potentially lower production costs. However, it looks like we’ll have to wait a few more years before this transition becomes a reality.