In an X post, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is working on a “refreshed” C1 modem with mmWave support.
From his post: The C1 refreshed version is under development for mass production next year, aiming to improve power consumption and transmission speed and support for mmWave (including TRx and front-end components, built on a 28nm process). While supporting mmWave isn’t particularly challenging, achieving stable performance with low power consumption remains a key hurdle.
Unlike processors/GPUs, baseband chips don’t aggressively adopt the latest advanced node because the return on investment isn’t high. As a result, it’s unlikely that Apple’s baseband will shift to a 3nm process next year.
– Advanced nodes don’t significantly improve baseband transmission speeds.
– While advanced nodes can improve baseband power efficiency, it’s worth pointing out that the baseband is not the most power-consuming component in a mobile phone’s wireless system.
iPhone 16e contains Apple’s first custom cellular modem dubbed “C1.” Apparently this is just the beginning.
“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 says. “Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.”
However, Apple is already working on a “C2” modem, according to MacRumors. In an interview with Reuters, Apple’s chipmaking chief Johny Srouji said the C1 modem is just the “start,” so the C2 modem may be the next development.
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