Apple has taken a big step towards independence by unveiling its first in-house modem as it continues to reduce its dependency on Qualcomm. This new modem chip, which plays a key role in the freshly announced $599 iPhone 16e, will gradually roll out across Apple’s product lineup in the coming years.
For years, Apple has relied on Qualcomm’s modem chips—the same ones that power Android devices—but that’s changing. With its latest move, Apple is ensuring it has even more control over its hardware, creating a modem designed specifically for iPhones and other Apple devices.
A custom modem built for Apple’s future
Building a modem from scratch is no small feat. These chips need to work seamlessly with hundreds of mobile carriers worldwide, and only a handful of companies, namely Intel, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Samsung, and Huawei, have managed to develop their own. Apple’s new modem is part of the C1 subsystem, a set of key components designed to improve performance, efficiency, and battery life.
The company has spent years testing the modem with 180 carriers across 55 countries to ensure it works globally. Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, Johny Srouji, described the C1 as the foundation of a platform Apple will refine and improve over multiple generations, making it a long-term investment rather than just another component.
One of the most significant advantages of Apple’s modem is how well it works with its other chips. Unlike third-party modems that function separately, the C1 can communicate directly with the iPhone’s processor, prioritizing important tasks like video calls and live gaming when networks are congested. This should make iPhones feel smoother and more responsive than devices relying on off-the-shelf modems.
What’s the catch?
Apple’s modem may be a significant milestone, but it’s not perfect — yet. One major limitation is its lack of support for millimeter-wave 5G, an area where Qualcomm still leads. Apple hasn’t shared if or when it will add this feature, leaving Qualcomm with a small but important role in Apple’s supply chain for now.
That said, Qualcomm is already preparing for Apple’s shift. The chip giant expects its share of Apple’s modem supply to drop from 100 percent to as low as 20 percent by next year. Still, thanks to a licensing deal that runs until at least 2027, Qualcomm won’t be entirely out of the picture anytime soon.
Why this move matters
Apple’s journey to modem independence hasn’t been easy. It once tried to work with Intel, but that plan fell apart, forcing Apple to return to Qualcomm. This time, it’s different — Apple has built its chip, tailoring it specifically for its ecosystem. Unlike Qualcomm and MediaTek, which design modems for various manufacturers, Apple focuses on making a modem that works perfectly within its own devices.
With this move, Apple is inching closer to complete control over its hardware. It’s not just about breaking ties with Qualcomm — it’s about making iPhones even more seamless, efficient, and distinct from the competition. And while Apple’s modem won’t replace Qualcomm’s chips overnight, this is the start of a big transition that could redefine Apple’s technological independence in the years ahead.
