Apple 5G modem C1: "Monumental technical achievement"
Apple has been working on its own 5G modem chip for at least 7 years, and now it is finally being released. The C1 cost billions and comes partly from Munich.
Apple C1: First 5G modem from Apple. But how good is it really?
(Image: Apple)
The iPhone 16e is actually just an iPhone 14 with improved inner workings – at least visually and in some key components. The OLED display has been carried over, as have the form factor and Face ID notch. But what Apple has built into the device is quite revolutionary: for the first time ever, there is no Qualcomm (or formerly Intel) radio chip in the phone, but a 5G modem from Apple itself. The C1 is the “first wireless modem designed by Apple”, the company proudly announced on Wednesday.
It offers “fast and reliable 5G connectivity” and is also the “most energy-efficient modem ever in an iPhone”. But Apple didn't dwell on this for more than perhaps 15 seconds. The construction of the device is considered a “monumental technical achievement”, as Bloomberg Apple reporter Mark Gurman wrote on X. The C1 also has something to do with Germany, as important work on it was carried out in Munich, where Apple operates a large development site. Apple has invested billions in this – including additional offices with thousands of employees at locations of the previous supplier Qualcomm.
Apple saves money and becomes more independent
The C1 is intended to make Apple independent of suppliers for the important wireless technology, just as it relies on its own power management technology and, in particular, its Apple Silicon SoCs from the A and M series. The hope is also that 5G connectivity will (finally) end up in MacBooks. After the huge investment, Apple could also save money because the C1 will only have to come off the production line from one contract manufacturer – it will be TSMC in Taiwan as usual – instead of having to buy all the expensive components from Qualcomm.
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According to a report in Der Spiegel, in addition to 5G and older radio standards, the C1 can also capture GPS radio signals for positioning as well as taking over the satellite radio connection. WLAN (embarrassingly without Wi-Fi 7) and Bluetooth are controlled via a separate chip, although it has not yet been leaked whether this comes from Apple itself – that would be a broadside against the supplier Broadcom. However, the old dream that everything could end up in one SoC does not yet seem to be feasible: one day, observers hope, Apple could cram CPUs, GPUs, memory, and flash as well as the entire wireless connectivity into one high-performance module. This would mean that every new device would automatically have all the latest standards.
Nobody knows yet whether the maneuver will work
Around 2000 employees from 40 countries are said to have worked on the C1 in Munich – plus colleagues from the USA and Israel. However, the Bavarians played the key role, according to Der Spiegel quoting chip boss Johny Srouji. Apple had bought Intel's former modem department in Munich and spent years revamping it. But nobody outside Apple knows how good the C1 really is. Of course, Apple can integrate the wireless modem better into its processes. It is also said to be so energy-efficient because the A-chip knows in advance what demands will be placed on the wireless part.
Apple claims that up to 25 percent less energy is consumed in this way. However, the wireless technology itself is new territory for the iPhone manufacturer, which is why it is no wonder that it probably took at least 7 years before the C1 was finally ready. Initial tests must now show whether the hardware can really keep up with Qualcomm's sophisticated modem technology. Apple cannot afford an Antennagate 2.0 (more on this here). Also interesting: How will Qualcomm react? The wireless chip expert is considered to be a lawsuit-happy company and could wish for (more) license fees.
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