Apple Unveils 'C1' as First Custom Cellular Modem - MacRumors
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

Apple Event Logo

Apple's Next Era Begins September 1

Thursday May 7, 2026 10:36 am PDT by
Apple recently announced that Tim Cook will be stepping down as CEO later this year, after 15 years of leading the company. Effective September 1, Apple's hardware engineering chief John Ternus will become the company's next CEO, while Cook will become executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. In his new role, Apple said Cook will assist with "certain aspects" of the company,...
Instagram Feature 2

PSA: Instagram Encrypted Messaging Ends on Friday, May 8

Tuesday May 5, 2026 8:24 am PDT by
Instagram will remove end-to-end encryption for direct messages between users from May 8, 2026. When the date comes around, Meta will potentially be able to see the contents of all messages between users on the social media platform. Encrypting messages has been an optional feature in Instagram since 2023, but in March of this year the social media platform quietly updated a help page to say ...
macbook neo launch day

Apple May Drop Base $599 MacBook Neo as Chip, DRAM Costs Climb

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:55 am PDT by
Apple is considering dropping the cheapest MacBook Neo configuration as one possible response to the rising cost of building the popular laptop, according to Taiwan-based tech columnist and former Bloomberg reporter Tim Culpan. The Neo currently starts at $599 for a 256GB model, with a 512GB version at $699. Writing in his latest Culpium newsletter, Culpan says cutting the entry-level...

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)