- Apple introduced the C1 5G modem with iPhone 16e recently entering a new era of in-house chips.
- Future iterations of 5G modems might come integrated with the Apple Bionic chipset.
- As per the timeline, we could see this happening as early as 2028 if everything goes as planned (rumored*).
Apple has officially introduced its in-house Apple 5G Modem, the C1, debuting with the iPhone 16e. While the modem currently functions as a standalone component, reports suggest that Apple is already exploring its integration directly into its primary System-on-a-Chip (SoC).
Why Apple 5G Modem Integration into Bionic SoC Is the Next Big Move
Isn’t that a legitimate question? According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, this move, though complex, would mark a key milestone for Apple as it reduces reliance on external suppliers and gains greater control over its hardware.
Integrating the standalone Apple C1 5G modem onboard the iPhone 16e was a phenomenal move. It is only logical to extend this integration to the primary Apple Bionic SoC, as it enhances battery life, improves power efficiency, and delivers performance gains.
Extensive Testing and Future Refinements
The report suggests that Apple has conducted extensive tests on the modem, exposing it to extreme temperatures, diverse network environments, and over 180 carriers across 55+ countries to assess its reliability. The data gathered from these tests can help Apple refine its in-house 5G modem and develop an even better C2 modem, which is likely already in the pipeline.
Apple’s Strategy: Reducing Reliance on Qualcomm
Circling back to the why, integrating the C1 5G modem directly into the SoC gives Apple greater control over its hardware. This move reduces reliance on external suppliers like Qualcomm—Apple’s largest chip supplier—while optimizing performance across its devices. Additionally, a single chip with an integrated modem enhances power efficiency, drawing less power and ultimately extending battery life.
Cost Benefits of Integration
Another significant advantage is the cost reduction that comes with integration, as Apple no longer needs to bear the manufacturing expense of a separate chip but instead incorporates it into the Apple Bionic SoC.
There’s Still A Long Way To Go
For now, the iPhone 16e features a standalone C1 modem, which is also expected to arrive across the iPhone 17 series. The C2 modem, debuting with the iPhone 18 Pro models, will include mmWave support—absent in the first iteration. Looking ahead, the C3 chip, expected in 2027, could potentially outperform Qualcomm’s equivalent modems, though this timeline should be taken with a pinch of salt.
We expect a single SoC with an integrated 5G modem to arrive in 2028 at the earliest. There’s still a long wait ahead, so stay tuned to True-Tech for further updates.
