Apple introduced the all-new C1 modem, replacing the Qualcomm modem, in the iPhone 16e. Another chip developed in-house by the company is also coming soon, according to analyst Ming Chi Kuo.

Citing industry sources, he stated that the iPhone 17 models launching this year will all use Apple's own Wi-Fi chip. This will replace the Broadcom Wi-Fi chip that the company is currently using.

Interestingly, only the ultra-slim iPhone 17 (or iPhone 17 Air) features both the C1 modem and the new Wi-Fi chip. Therefore, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max still use Qualcomm modems.

According to Kuo, besides the cost factor, switching to self-developed Wi-Fi chips will help improve connectivity across all Apple devices.

Current iPhones use Broadcom's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combined chip.

Previously, analyst Jeff Pu predicted that only the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max would use Apple's designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, but it seems the plan has changed.

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Apple will equip the entire iPhone 17 lineup with its own Wi-Fi chip, according to analyst Ming Chi Kuo. (Image: GSM Arena)

With Wi-Fi 7 support, the iPhone 17 can simultaneously utilize the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands when connected to a compatible router, enhancing data transfer speeds, reducing latency, and improving stability.

Qualcomm claims that Wi-Fi 7 can achieve maximum speeds of over 40 Gbps, up to four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E.

Apple's "intention" in making its own chips.

Analysts believe Apple is making its own chips to reduce its dependence on suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom. According to Kainn Drance, Vice President of iPhone Product Marketing, the iPhone 16e has better battery life than any other 6.1-inch iPhone model.

Modem chips are very difficult to manufacture because they need to be compatible with hundreds of carriers in many countries. Only a few companies worldwide , including Samsung, MediaTek, and Huawei, have successfully produced these chips.

Until now, Apple has had to buy modems from Qualcomm – the world's largest supplier of modem chips. Qualcomm modem chips are also used in Android phones and Windows laptops.

Apple and Qualcomm once went to court but eventually settled and signed a new supply agreement in 2019. However, it seems Apple has found a way to reduce its dependence on its partner.

Johny Srouji, Apple's Vice President of Hardware Technology, revealed that the C1 subsystem (a component set including the C1 modem chip) is the most complex technology the company has ever developed. The baseband modem is manufactured using 4nm technology, while the transceiver is manufactured using 7nm technology. The chip was tested with 180 carriers in 55 countries to ensure it works well everywhere.

According to Srouji, C1 is just the beginning, and Apple will continuously improve over time. It will be the foundation that helps differentiate the company's products.

The C1 chip also features satellite connectivity and a custom GPS system, useful when iPhone users can't connect to a cellular network. However, it will lack some features such as 5G mmWave network connectivity – one of Qualcomm's strengths.

Srouji stated that Apple's goal isn't to catch up with the specifications of competing chips. Instead, they want to design specifications that suit the specific needs of Apple products.

(Synthetic)