Introduction

In a bold move to solidify its hardware sovereignty, Apple has launched its first-ever custom-designed cellular modem, the C1, integrated into the newly unveiled iPhone 16e. Recent benchmarks conducted by Ookla, the minds behind Speedtest, have unveiled that the C1 not only performs admirably but also stands up well against the Qualcomm chips found in the more expensive iPhone 16 models.

Performance Comparison

While the C1 modem does not support mmWave 5G technology—a powerful standard favored for ultra-fast data speeds—it still displays impressive capabilities in terms of performance. According to Ookla’s findings, the iPhone 16e boasts average download speeds of around 560Mbps for the top 90th percentile of users across major networks like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. In comparison, the iPhone 16, which utilizes the Qualcomm chipset, reaches a notable average speed of 756Mbps. Nevertheless, the gap between the two isn’t as significant as might be expected.

Remarkably, when evaluating the bottom 10th percentile of users, the iPhone 16e outshines its Qualcomm-equipped counterpart. It achieves average speeds nearing 218Mbps, whereas the traditional iPhone 16 posts an average of 210Mbps. Interestingly, these results indicate that the C1 modem excels on AT&T and Verizon networks, though it doesn't fare as well on T-Mobile.

Upload Speeds

In terms of upload speeds, the iPhone 16e consistently outperforms the standard iPhone 16 in nearly all tests. Apple has touted its C1 modem as the "most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone," a claim that appears to be substantiated by these findings.

Real-World Performance

Further solidifying its reputation, the C1 modem has even surpassed the performance of the iPhone 16 Pro in specific scenarios, demonstrating its capability in real-world usage. However, it’s essential to highlight that this chip lacks support for ultrawideband 5G, a feature that continues to be a deciding factor for some users.

Conclusion

As Apple pushes towards self-sufficiency in modem technology, the debut of the C1 is not just a step in innovation but a substantial leap that may reshape user expectations in upcoming iPhones. What does this mean for the future of smartphones? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the implications of Apple's modem advancements in the evolving telecommunications landscape.