Apple Already Testing a C2 Modem for iPhones, According to Leaker

[MacRumors]

Apple is already testing its second-generation C2 modem for future iPhone models, according to a leaker with a proven track record.

A private account on X with a history of sharing accurate information said the C2 modem has a C4020 identifier within Apple, which seems to confirm that it already exists. However, the leaker did not provide any further details.

The leaker has requested that we not link to their private account in our coverage of their posts.

Apple has publicly confirmed that it starts developing new iPhone chips several years in advance of them launching, so it is not surprising that the company is allegedly working on a C2 modem. Apple's second-generation modem should offer faster and more reliable 5G connectivity, and it could be even more power efficient.

Apple said the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is already the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, contributing to the device having the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone ever, including the more expensive regular iPhone 16.

We are still waiting for C1 modem speed tests, but it is expected that Apple's first modem will be slower than Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X71 modem in other iPhones.

In an interview, Apple's chipmaking chief Johny Srouji said the C1 modem is just the "start," so the C2 modem will be the next chapter of the story.

Article Link: Apple Already Testing a C2 Modem for iPhones, According to Leaker

 

[jz0309]

of course they are, the C1 probably entered mass production 6 months ago which means the design was done and the chip taped out a year or so ago. That's when the designers moved onto the next one ...

 

[turbineseaplane]

For the iPhone 18's I would assume / hope?

 

[green_diyos]

It is a given... the iPhone 19 is likely prototyping by now. Same with the iMac 30" or 32"

 

[CarlJ]

It is a given... the iPhone 19 is likely prototyping by now. Same with the iMac 30" or 32"

I recall Rene Richie quipping that Apple prototypes everything, and likely has an Apple refrigerator/toaster somewhere in a lab (not that they'll ever release it). If you have the resources, building one of something is a great way to find out more about whether such a device/chip/product is good/useful, and what benefits/drawbacks it has. So, yeah, they almost certainly have a C2 and a C3 in the works, along with all sorts of other future hardware.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

C1 is the beta test for the sheeple.

 

[klasma]

For the iPhone 18's I would assume / hope?

For the Air, possibly.

 

[Howard2k]

Wouldn’t it be a second generation C1? There hasn’t been a first generation C2 yet so are they really working on a second generation C2?

 

[tongxinshe]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

 

[Normandy_sr2]

Put C2 in next M5 LAPTOPS !

 

[scorpio vega]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

So they should never try….make it make sense.

 

[nutmac]

I hope it will also have Wi-Fi 6E or 7.

 

[Jumpthesnark]

I recall Rene Richie quipping that Apple prototypes everything, and likely has an Apple refrigerator/toaster somewhere in a lab (not that they'll ever release it). If you have the resources, building one of something is a great way to find out more about whether such a device/chip/product is good/useful, and what benefits/drawbacks it has. So, yeah, they almost certainly have a C2 and a C3 in the works, along with all sorts of other future hardware.

I want an Apple toaster. They can use Intel chips. 🔥

 

[jz0309]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

Work on that particular modem started a long time ago, Intel bought it from Infineon and then Apple from Intel, so easily goes back a decade.
It will be a huge success and a clear differentiator going forward.

 

[bigpoppa]

I want to see speed tests!

 

[It’s always something]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

The only certain way to fail would be to not start with the thing at all. Apple is playing catch up, maybe, but with an eye on the long haul.

 

[Chuckeee]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

I agree.

Analog design portion of a modem chip is significantly different than the digital design associated with all of the other Apple chips. So Apple’s first pass success with the A and M1 chips, is not very relevant. Which goes to validate your concern.

 

[Chuckeee]

I want to see speed tests!

Heck, I want to see sensitivity and signal stability testing results

 

[Reason077]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world.

In previous decades, people would have said the same thing about Apple trying to make CPUs that were competitive against Intel and AMD.

 

[green_diyos]

I recall Rene Richie quipping that Apple prototypes everything, and likely has an Apple refrigerator/toaster somewhere in a lab (not that they'll ever release it). If you have the resources, building one of something is a great way to find out more about whether such a device/chip/product is good/useful, and what benefits/drawbacks it has. So, yeah, they almost certainly have a C2 and a C3 in the works, along with all sorts of other future hardware.

Like the 1st AMOLED Android phone was the 2009 Samsung Galaxy. This was 2 years after the launch of the 2007 iPhone 2G.

Apple only moved to AMOLED in 2017 with the iPhone X when they addressed the AMOLED burn-in and color inaccuracies of AMOLED.

This is also likely why we haven't seen the iPhone fold. It hasn't reached its design targets of durability.

A risk of having too few SKUs sharing 1 overarching brand name is that when a scandal like bendgate or iPhone battery shortened battery life occurs it damages the brand. So they gotta quadruple check if it'll be durable with the design targets.

 

[OGdrknight]

Should I hold off until the C5 is released?

I need full bars! 📶

 

[ondioline]

According to industry insiders, Apple is testing new iPhone 17 and new M5 processor for Mac. Rumors even reveal a potential iPhone 18

 

[Westside guy]

Put C2 in next M5 LAPTOPS !

Sigh... we've been hoping and waiting for a Mac with a built-in cell chip for at least 25 years...

 

[ddhhddhh2]

I still don’t see how Apple could possibly match the performance of Qualcomm, Huawei or even MediaTek in the cellular chip world. It’s an area mandate technology accumulation. The other three have already worked on it for two or more decades. It’s a path toward a sure failure from the very beginning.

Considering Huawei straight-up copied Cisco in 2003, got caught stealing from T-Mobile in 2014, and was involved in IP theft cases with Micron and Motorola in 2019, I wouldn’t even put their 'achievements' up for discussion, let alone compare them to legit companies.

 

[KENESS]

I hope it will also have Wi-Fi 6E or 7.

This is a cellular chip, not WiFi. Two different beasts. They may combine them at some future point, but not yet. Apparently Apple has also produced its own WiFi chip, and it is reported to be WiFi 7.