Apple Plans to Integrate Modems Into Main Chipset, But It’ll Take Years

Highlight

• Apple plans to integrate future modems directly into the main chipset of its devices.
• The iPhone 16e introduced the first-ever in-house 5G C1 modem.
• Apple will introduce the C2 modem next year for higher-end iPhones and the C3 modem later.
• The goal is to integrate the modem directly into the main chipset by 2028.

Apple is planning to take in-house modem technology to the next level. According to Mark Gurman’s latest Power On newsletter, the company is working on integrating its future modems directly into the main chipset of its devices. This means that instead of having an A18 chip and a separate C1 modem, everything will be combined into one. However, this shift will take a few years to happen.

With the iPhone 16e, Apple quietly introduced its first-ever in-house 5G modem, the C1 modem. This was a key step in Apple’s long-term plan to replace Qualcomm modems in iPhones. However, for now, the C1 modem is exclusive to the iPhone 16e and isn’t available across the entire lineup.

According to Gurman, Apple will introduce the C2 modem next year but only in higher-end iPhones. Then, the C3 modem is expected later and will ideally outperform Qualcomm’s offerings altogether. The C1 modem for now isn’t perfect with some trade-offs in performance. However, its power efficiency has given the iPhone 16e the best battery life ever in a 6.1-inch iPhone.

Once Apple surpasses Qualcomm in performance, the company’s next goal is to integrate the modem directly into the main chipset. Gurman says this move will improve cost and efficiency, but it won’t happen until at least 2028.

Meanwhile, many tech enthusiasts online posed an interesting question. Will Apple still offer separate cellular and Wi-Fi-only versions of its devices? Right now, iPads and Apple Watches require a $50-$150 upgrade for cellular support. If Apple’s in-house modems become the default, could all devices have built-in cellular by default?

While answers to these questions are something only time will tell, Apple’s modem strategy is clearly evolving and we can expect big changes in the next few years.

FAQs

Q1. What is Apple’s plan for modem technology in its future devices?

Answer. Apple plans to integrate its future modems directly into the main chipset of its devices, combining the A18 chip and the modem into one, but this shift will take several years to happen.

Q2. What is the current status of Apple’s in-house modems?

Answer. The iPhone 16e introduced Apple’s first-ever in-house 5G modem, the C1 modem. Apple will introduce the C2 modem next year for higher-end iPhones and the C3 modem later, aiming to outperform Qualcomm’s offerings.

Q3. When does Apple aim to integrate the modem into the main chipset?

Answer. Apple aims to integrate the modem directly into the main chipset by 2028 improving cost and efficiency.

Also Read: Apple brings new privacy feature Secure Enclave from M4 iPad Pro to iPhone 16 with A18 chip