Apple has finally introduced its first in-house modem alongside iPhone 16e, the C1, marking a major shift in its hardware strategy.
iPhone 16e
For years, Apple has relied on Qualcomm for iPhone modems, but that relationship has been winding down. The company took a big step toward independence in 2019 when it acquired Intel’s smartphone modem business for $1 billion.
That move set the stage for Apple to develop its own 5G modem, cutting out third-party suppliers and ensuring tighter hardware integration. It makes its debut in the iPhone 16e, but it isn’t clear if the in-house modem will be ready for Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup in the fall.