Apple’s Chip Independence: Decoding the iPhone Modem Roadmap and Its Impact on Qualcomm
Apple is aggressively pursuing independence in chip design, aiming to control core components within its devices. Following their successful transition of Macs to Apple Silicon, the focus now shifts to severing ties with Qualcomm and Broadcom. This ambition promises enhanced performance, improved battery life, and greater control over the user experience. Key to this strategy is the development of in-house cellular modems, starting with the C1 modem.
The C1 Modem: A Modest Beginning
Introduced in the iPhone 16e, the C1 modem is Apple's first step in replacing Qualcomm. While not the most powerful modem on the market, its primary focus is on power efficiency, leading to notable battery life improvements in the iPhone 16e. As Tim Cook stated during Apple's Q2 2025 earnings call, Apple is "super excited to ship the first one and get it out there, and it’s gone well. We love that we can produce better products from a point of view of really focusing on battery life and other things that customers want. And so, we have started on a journey."
Future Modems: C2 and C3
Looking ahead, Apple is already developing the C2 and C3 modems. The C2, codenamed Ganymede, is slated for the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026 and future iPad models in 2027. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that the C2 will catch up to current Qualcomm modems, adding support for mmWave and boasting download speeds of 6 gigabits per second.
The C3 modem, codenamed Prometheus, is expected to debut in the iPhone 19 lineup in 2027. Apple aims for it to surpass Qualcomm in performance and AI features, while also incorporating support for next-generation satellite networks. These advancements will allow Apple to create even more seamless and integrated wireless experiences across its devices.
The Impact on Qualcomm
Qualcomm is bracing for a reduced presence in upcoming iPhone models. Qualcomm CFO Akash Palkhiwala indicated that they anticipate a 70% share in the iPhone 17 series launch. This suggests that Apple's own modems might power the base iPhone 17 and the rumored iPhone 17 Air, while the Pro and Pro Max models continue using Qualcomm for potentially superior performance. Ultimately, a full shift to in-house modems across the entire iPhone lineup may occur with the iPhone 18. This transition represents a significant shift in the mobile technology landscape, and marks the beginning of the end for Qualcomm's stronghold on iPhones.
Beyond Modems: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Apple's ambition extends beyond cellular modems. The company intends to replace Broadcom's networking chips as well with an in-house solution. This new networking chip, codenamed Proxima, is expected to debut in refreshed versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV, supporting the Wi-Fi 6E standard. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests it could even debut in the entire iPhone 17 lineup, further enhancing connectivity across Apple devices.
Future Integration
To further streamline its devices, Apple is contemplating integrating cellular modems into the main Apple Silicon chipset. This could yield enhanced efficiency and cost savings, though this feat isn't expected until 2028 at the earliest.
Apple's calculated move toward self-sufficiency in chip design signals a strategic effort to gain more control over its product ecosystem. By designing its own chips, Apple can optimize performance, improve efficiency, and ultimately create more compelling devices. How will this impact innovation in the smartphone industry? What advantages will Apple gain by controlling both hardware and software? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
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