Apple is developing a ”refreshed” version of its C1 modem for mass production next year that will improve power consumption and transmission speed, as well as bring support for mmWave, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In a post on X (Twitter), Kuo said that while supporting the mmWave baseband isn’t particularly challenging, achieving stable performance with low power consumption remains a ”key hurdle” for Apple.
The C1 modem that debuted in the iPhone 16e lacks support for ultra-fast mmWave 5G technology. This means users don’t have access to the exceptionally fast speeds that mmWave technology can provide in specific locations such as stadiums, airports, and dense urban areas. However, Apple says the C1 is just the ”start” and that it is going to keep improving the technology with each new generation. Kuo has previously said the iPhone 17 Air, expected later this year, will also be equipped with the C1 modem.
Source: Kuo: Apple Developing Faster ’Refreshed’ C1 Modem With mmWave Support for Mass Production Next Year
