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Apple is finally integrating its custom C1 modem into a flagship iPhone this year with the ultra-thin ‘Air’ model. This move marks a significant milestone for Apple’s independence from Qualcomm after years of dependency. While the C1 chip performed well in the iPhone 16e, its performance varies based on the carrier.
Apple’s First Custom C1 Modem: Reliable and Efficient but Struggles with Carrier-Specific Performance
Initial reports indicate that Apple’s modem offers strong efficiency and stability but does not match Qualcomm’s performance across the board. Carrier networks play a crucial role in determining the chip’s performance due to how they manage spectrum, which directly impacts modem behavior.
According to a new study by Ookla, carrier performance significantly affects the C1 chip’s efficiency. In the U.S., T-Mobile users experienced better performance on the iPhone 16, supporting four-carrier aggregation, compared to iPhone 16e users with the Apple C1 modem, which supports up to three-carrier aggregation. Median download speeds on T-Mobile’s network were higher (317.64 Mbps) than those on the iPhone 16e (252.80 Mbps). The study also showed that T-Mobile’s network used four-carrier aggregation in 65.4% of tested locations, giving the iPhone 16 an advantage.
However, Apple’s C1 chip excels in areas with weaker coverage and less advanced 5G rollouts. It maintains steadier connections with fewer dropped signals, demonstrating real-world usage considerations over peak performance. Battery life could also be a major benefit for the iPhone 17 Air due to tighter integration between the modem and silicon, translating into better power efficiency.
While there is a slight drop in download speeds on well-covered networks, this tradeoff may be outweighed by extended battery life in areas with patchy coverage.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 17 lineup tomorrow at its ‘Awe dropping’ event. Stay tuned for details and share your excitement about the new products in the comments.
