Apple reached a significant achievement yesterday with the introduction of an iPhone that features its custom modem, the C1 chip, as opposed to using Qualcomm’s technology.
For several years, this has been a pivotal aim for the company, making this launch a noteworthy occasion…
The dual advantages of the C1 chip
As we mentioned previously, replacing the Qualcomm modem with the C1 chip represents a dual benefit for Apple.
Firstly, Apple has long regarded Qualcomm’s fee structure as unjust. When purchasing modem chips from them, Apple had to pay twice: firstly for the chip and then a separate royalty for utilizing the technology. Apple described this as “double dipping.”
This scenario would be akin to Apple selling you an iPhone and then insisting you purchase a distinct software license for iOS. Or, including a backup feature for your iPhone but requiring additional payment for adequate iCloud storage—well, maybe not that one.
Secondly, Apple pointed out the enhanced power efficiency of its new chip.
By extending the advantages of Apple silicon, the C1 chip is the initial modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever built into an iPhone, offering speedy and reliable 5G connectivity. The integration of Apple silicon—particularly the C1 chip—the completely revamped internal architecture, and the sophisticated power management of iOS 18 all contribute to remarkable battery longevity.
The more hardware that Apple develops, the more the company can optimize efficiencies in how everything functions as a cohesive unit.
However, no mmWave 5G
It was speculated prior to the launch that Apple’s first-generation modem chip would come with certain compromises, and we now understand what these are.
The C1 chip supports Wi-Fi 6 instead of Wi-Fi 7 and does not incorporate mmWave 5G. This type of 5G is characterized by ultra-high speeds but extremely short range, functioning more like Wi-Fi than traditional mobile data, as it requires close proximity to a base station for reception.
The concept was that mmWave 5G would be extensively rolled out in bustling areas such as airports, transit hubs, entertainment venues, and shopping centers. However, the reality is that access is strikingly limited. Carriers seem to have opted against the immense expense of installing the numerous base stations required for a service with fairly niche demand.
Considering the severely restricted carrier support and Apple’s decision to launch a modem chip without this capability, does this indicate that 5G mmWave is essentially obsolete?
It could be featured in a C2 chip
Perhaps.
It’s probable that Apple intentionally limited the complexities it faced while launching its inaugural modem chip, with plans to add features in upcoming iterations. Bloomberg suggests that mmWave 5G will be among these enhancements and is expected to debut in a second-generation chip—but notes that this will not be included in the iPhone 17 lineup, only the iPhone 18.
That might be true, but it also reflects Apple’s perspective that the feature is more of an optional addition rather than a critical requirement.
Personally, I believe that mmWave 5G is largely overhyped: it allowed carriers and device manufacturers to boast about gigabit speed capabilities without undertaking the costly infrastructure investments necessary for widespread implementation, even in high-traffic locations within major cities.
What has been your experience? How frequently do you encounter a mmWave 5G connection? Do you value those fleeting gigabit speeds found in a few select areas? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
Photo: Apple
