Apple Already Testing a C2 Modem for iPhones, According to Leaker

Apple is already testing its second-generation C2 modem for future iPhone models, according to a leaker with a proven track record.

iPhone Chips
A private account on X with a history of sharing accurate information said the C2 modem has a C4020 identifier within Apple, which seems to confirm that it already exists. However, the leaker did not provide any further details.

The leaker has requested that we not link to their private account in our coverage of their posts.

Apple has publicly confirmed that it starts developing new iPhone chips several years in advance of them launching, so it is not surprising that the company is allegedly working on a C2 modem. Apple's second-generation modem should offer faster and more reliable 5G connectivity, and it could be even more power efficient.

Apple said the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is already the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, contributing to the device having the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever, including the more expensive regular iPhone 16.

We are still waiting for C1 modem speed tests, but it is expected that Apple's first modem will be slower than Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X71 modem in other iPhones.

In an interview, Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji said the C1 modem is just the "start," so the C2 modem will be the next chapter of the story.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...

Top Rated Comments

jz0309 Avatar
13 months ago
of course they are, the C1 probably entered mass production 6 months ago which means the design was done and the chip taped out a year or so ago. That's when the designers moved onto the next one ...
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Reason077 Avatar
13 months ago

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world.
In previous decades, people would have said the same thing about Apple trying to make CPUs that were competitive against Intel and AMD.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jumpthesnark Avatar
13 months ago

I recall Rene Richie quipping that Apple prototypes everything, and likely has an Apple refrigerator/toaster somewhere in a lab (not that they'll ever release it). If you have the resources, building one of something is a great way to find out more about whether such a device/chip/product is good/useful, and what benefits/drawbacks it has. So, yeah, they almost certainly have a C2 and a C3 in the works, along with all sorts of other future hardware.
I want an Apple toaster. They can use Intel chips. ?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
It’s always something Avatar
13 months ago

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.
The only certain way to fail would be to not start with the thing at all. Apple is playing catch up, maybe, but with an eye on the long haul.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ondioline Avatar
13 months ago
According to industry insiders, Apple is testing new iPhone 17 and new M5 processor for Mac. Rumors even reveal a potential iPhone 18
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
green_diyos Avatar
13 months ago
It is a given... the iPhone 19 is likely prototyping by now. Same with the iMac 30" or 32"
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)