In 2020, Apple kicked off its transition to Apple Silicon for the Mac, a significant move away from Intel processors. This ambitious change has proven to be fruitful, as Apple managed to create chips that outperformed their Intel predecessors in both speed and efficiency, achieving this transition within three years.
Currently, Apple is setting its sights on displacing Qualcomm, with the introduction of the new C1 modem featured in the recently released iPhone 16e. This marks just the beginning of a comprehensive plan to bring all networking capabilities in-house.
Upcoming C2 and C3 Modems
The inaugural C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e last month, prioritizes efficiency. However, it lacks support for 5G mmWave and does not encompass all of the wavelengths available on current Qualcomm modems. While performance tests indicate it’s competent, it doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle of what’s available.
This is why the C1 modem won’t be included in most of the iPhone 17 range, though it may make an appearance in the iPhone 17 Air, where its efficiency advantages will be crucial for a slim design. Apple has described the C1 modem as “the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, providing fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity.”
Predictably, Apple is already advancing plans for future generations of 5G modems. As reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple aims to completely phase out Qualcomm modems within two generations.
The C2 modem, codenamed Ganymede, is slated to debut with the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, followed by future iPad models in 2027. Gurman suggests that this modem will be competitive with Qualcomm offerings:
A key enhancement is that Ganymede will gain support for mmWave, achieving download speeds of up to 6 gigabits per second, alongside six-carrier aggregation with Sub-6 and eight-carrier aggregation with mmWave.
Following that, the C3 modem, codenamed Prometheus, is expected in 2027 alongside the iPhone 19 series. This modem aims to surpass Qualcomm’s capabilities:
In 2027, Apple plans to launch its third modem, codename Prometheus, which aims to exceed Qualcomm’s performance and incorporate advanced artificial intelligence features. It will also be designed to support next-generation satellite networks.
In the midst of these developments, Apple is also pondering the possibility of incorporating cellular support into MacBooks as early as 2026, enabled by its new in-house modems.
New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip
In addition to replacing Qualcomm’s cellular modems, Apple has plans to substitute Broadcom’s networking chips. While this is still a relatively fresh rumor, the new networking chip is anticipated to launch as early as this year.
This new networking chip, codenamed Proxima, is expected to feature in refreshed versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV later this year, according to Gurman. It will support the Wi-Fi 6E standard and has the theoretical capability to function as a Wi-Fi router. Gurman has indicated that it will also appear in select iPhone models this year, with some iPad and Mac models following in 2026.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has further stated that the Apple networking chip will actually debut across the entire iPhone 17 lineup later this year, rather than being limited to just the iPhone 17 Air. Kuo claims this will “enhance connectivity across Apple devices” and help to lower costs.
Modem Integration with Main Chipset
After completing the transition to its own modems, Apple is also considering the integration of its cellular modems within the main Apple Silicon chipset. Instead of having separate A18 and C1 chips, these could potentially function as a singular unit.
Gurman suggests this integration may not occur until at least 2028. Nevertheless, it remains a consideration due to the potential cost and efficiency benefits it could offer.
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