Apple has a lot of silicon advancements in its latest iPhones, including the A19 and A19 Pro, new N1 wireless chip, and its next-gen C1X 5G modem. When asked why iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro didn’t get the new C1X, here’s what Apple said.
Apple hints that its modems will be coming to more iPhones moving forward
This year Apple has shipped not one, but two brand new in-house cellular modems. After years in development, Apple’s first 5G modem—the C1—launched earlier this year in iPhone 16e.
Now its successor, C1X, is available inside the iPhone Air.
But despite all signs pointing to Apple’s modems delivering great performance and efficiency, they’re only included in two iPhone models. Apple’s flagship iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max all use third-party Qualcomm modems.
In an interview with CNBC following the iPhone 17 unveiling, Apple was asked why.
Here’s what the company said.
CNBC’s Katie Tarasov:
“Why not see an Apple modem inside the iPhone 17 or 17 Pro or Pro Max?”
Apple’s Arun Mathias, VP of Wireless Software Technologies and Ecosystems:
“Well we were really focused on what we needed for iPhone Air. We have great products with iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro as well. And over time, we will see Apple cellular solutions in more products.”
While Mathias clearly stuck to the company line by highlighting that iPhone 17 and 17 Pro are “great products…as well,” what he said next was telling.
Top comment by ðdub
I care more about about power consumption and signal stability and not theoretical top speeds. Missing mmWave doesn't bother me at all. It seems Apple's approach is to prioritize power consumption with signal range/stability vs. top speed and I'm totally on board with that.
By saying that “over time, we will see Apple cellular solutions in more products,” Mathias strongly hinted that next year’s iPhone 18 lineup will feature Apple-built modems more prominently.
That’s in line with what rumors have indicated, so it comes as no surprise. The message is clear though: Apple didn’t go with third-party Qualcomm modems because it believes they’re better.
Rather, the company chose to focus its resources on the iPhone Air this year—but with plans to expand Apple modems moving forward.
Does it make a difference to you who makes the 5G modem in your iPhone? Let us know in the comments.
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