Apple Unveils 'C1' as First Custom Cellular Modem - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

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 Forum: iPhone

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...

Top Rated Comments

16 months ago
Good luck Beta Testers.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HobeSoundDarryl Avatar
16 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
16 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)
16 months ago
Can't wait to see the performance compared with Qualcomm's modems.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ProbablyDylan Avatar
16 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)
Velin Avatar
16 months ago
Fantastic. Sick of Qualcomm’s highway robbery monopoly. Keep pumping out the silicon designs, Apple.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: World News | Sport | Motoring | Culture | Ipad