Alongside the iPhone 16e, Apple has introduced the new Apple C1 chipset, the company’s first in-house developed cellular modem. This marks a significant departure for Apple, which currently relies on Qualcomm modems in its other iPhones. Although Apple has extended its contract with Qualcomm to use Snapdragon modems in iPhones until 2026, the introduction of the Apple C1 chipset signals a shift toward a new direction.
The C1 modem provides fast 5G connectivity along with satellite support and SOS services. Apple claims the C1 is the most power-efficient modem in any iPhone. With the combination of the A18 and C1 chipsets, the iPhone 16e is expected to offer 26 hours of video playback an improvement of 6 hours over the iPhone 11’s battery life.
Discussing the new C1 chipset, Apple states, “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.”
Currently, the iPhone 16e is the only Apple device featuring the C1 chipset, with expectations that Apple will soon announce the new iPad Air equipped with the same chip.
