What is Apple's next silicon plan after releasing its own 5G modem chip 'C1'?
Apple announced that it would transition Mac processors from Intel to its own '
Apple is on a mission to develop more of its silicon in-house: Here's what's next - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/01/apple-developing-more-silicon-in-house-modem-networking/
The iPhone 16e, released by Apple in February 2025, is equipped with the company's first 5G modem chip, the C1. The C1 does not support millimeter waves because it focuses on efficiency. This means that it supports fewer wavelengths compared to Qualcomm modem chips installed in the iPhone 16 series and other models. Nevertheless, it has been revealed that the C1 is quite high-performance.
As mentioned above, the C1 is inferior to Qualcomm modem chips. Therefore, it is highly likely that the C1 will not be installed in any iPhone 17 series devices scheduled for release in 2025, other than the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air . The reason why the iPhone 17 Air will use the C1 is because improved efficiency is important for the ultra-thin form factor. Apple has stated that the C1 is 'the most power-efficient modem in the history of iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular communications.'
Will the iPhone lineup be revamped in 2025, the Plus model will be discontinued, and the ultra-thin 'Air' model will appear? What will the specs of the Air model be? - GIGAZINE
Apple is said to already be developing a new modem chip to follow the C1, and according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who is well-versed in Apple-related leaks, Apple is planning to completely replace Qualcomm's modem chips with the C series within two generations.
The codename for the C2 being developed by Apple is 'Ganymede,' and it is expected to be installed in the iPhone 18 series in 2026 and in the iPad in 2027. The major difference between the C1 and C2 is that it supports mmWave. The download speed will reach 6Gbps, and it will support 6 carrier aggregation when using Sub6 and 8 carrier aggregation when using mmWave. This will give the C series the same performance as existing Qualcomm modem chips.
In addition, the 'C3' is scheduled to be announced along with the iPhone 19 series in 2027. The development code name of the C3 is 'Prometheus', and at this time the C series is expected to surpass the performance of Qualcomm's modem chip. It is reported that the C3 will support next-generation satellite networks.
Apple is also considering introducing cellular support to MacBooks as early as 2026, which would mean the C2 chip would be included in the MacBook.
In addition, Apple is also considering replacing not only the C-series but also Broadcom network chips with its own proprietary chips, which are expected to appear as early as 2025.
Apple may adopt its own Wi-Fi chip from iPhone 17, and may also transition to its own 5G modem at the same time - GIGAZINE
According to Gurman, Apple's proprietary network chip is codenamed 'Proxima' and is expected to be installed in the new HomePod mini and new Apple TV in the second half of 2025. Proxima will support Wi-Fi 6E and will theoretically function as a Wi-Fi router . Proxima will also be introduced in some iPhone models in 2025 and in some iPad and Mac models in 2026.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an industry analyst well-known for his leaks of Apple-related information, predicts that Proxima will be installed not only in the iPhone 17 Air but also in the entire lineup of the iPhone 17 series. Kuo wrote that this will 'strengthen connectivity between Apple devices while also reducing costs.'
It has also been reported that Apple is considering integrating modem chips with other chips once the modem chip transition is complete.
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