Apple’s First Custom Modem Shows Competitive Performance
Apple’s introduction of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to reduce reliance on Qualcomm technology. With this first custom-designed modem, Apple has entered a new era of cellular connectivity. While the C1 modem is a fresh addition, early tests show that it holds up well against Qualcomm’s modem in the standard iPhone 16, particularly in sub-6GHz 5G performance.
According to data from Ookla, the iPhone 16e delivered better median download speeds than the iPhone 16 for users on Verizon and AT&T networks. However, T-Mobile users experienced slightly higher speeds with the iPhone 16, indicating that performance varies based on carrier networks. Despite these variations, Apple’s C1 modem demonstrated strong efficiency and competitive speeds, positioning itself as a viable alternative to Qualcomm’s long-dominant technology.
Connectivity Differences and Network Performance
One of the key differences between the two devices is the absence of mmWave 5G support in the iPhone 16e. Unlike the iPhone 16, which can connect to ultra-fast mmWave 5G networks in select urban areas, the iPhone 16e is limited to sub-6GHz connectivity. This limitation means that in situations requiring access to mmWave, the iPhone 16 offers better peak speeds. However, in low-signal conditions, the iPhone 16e outperformed its counterpart, maintaining more stable connectivity.
Ookla’s testing revealed that T-Mobile users with an iPhone 16e experienced median download speeds of 264.71 Mb/s, compared to 357.47 Mb/s on the iPhone 16—indicating a 24% speed increase for the latter. This disparity could be attributed to T-Mobile’s standalone 5G network and advanced carrier aggregation features, which the C1 modem may not yet fully support.
On Verizon’s network, both devices showed relatively lower speeds, likely due to network constraints rather than hardware limitations. The iPhone 16e recorded a median download speed of 140.77 Mb/s, slightly outperforming the iPhone 16, which registered 124.4 Mb/s. AT&T users saw a significant difference, with the iPhone 16e reaching 226.9 Mb/s compared to 146.49 Mb/s on the iPhone 16.
Efficiency and Apple’s Vision for Future Modems
While download speeds varied, the iPhone 16e consistently outperformed the iPhone 16 in upload speeds across all carriers, particularly on Verizon and AT&T. Additionally, Apple’s C1 modem has proven to be more power-efficient than Qualcomm’s modems. Apple claims that the C1 is the most energy-efficient modem ever used in an iPhone, contributing to the iPhone 16e’s longer battery life compared to the standard iPhone 16.
The development of the C1 modem represents Apple’s initial step toward modem independence, reducing its reliance on Qualcomm’s technology. Reports indicate that Apple is already working on the C2 modem for future devices, which is expected to introduce mmWave 5G support, further enhancing connectivity. This shift signals Apple’s long-term ambition to take full control of its modem technology, ensuring better integration with its devices while optimizing performance and efficiency.
