C2 modem already in development for future iPhones

AppleInsider

Apple only just revealed the C1 modem with iPhone 16e on Wednesday, but there's already a rumor about the C2 being tested internally.

iPhone 16e has the C1 modem. Image source: Apple

Apple has spent years trying to distance itself from Qualcomm and use its own in-house modem. The company has finally landed on the C1 modem used in iPhone 16e, calling it a "platform for generations."

According to a report from MacRumors sourced from an accurate leaker that uses a private account on X, Apple is already working on the future of the C-series platform. The leaker called it the C2 and shared it has the identifier C4020.

No other details were shared beyond the modem's existence.

Apple will use the C1 in upcoming devices like the rumored iPhone 17 Air (or Slim). Rumors suggest that the C1 won't be used in the other iPhone 17 models.

Presumably, the C1 would also be used in an iPhone 17e that would release early in 2026. The C2 could be destined for the iPhone 18 lineup, iPads, or even Macs.

C1 lacks some features that Qualcomm's modems offer, like mmWave 5G. Apple is likely working to ensure feature parity with Qualcomm modems as it brings the C-series modems to other devices.

This C2 rumor is being rated likely since Apple is usually working years ahead on future generations of products. The included identifier and alleged accuracy are enough to suggest this is a reliable rumor.

Rumor Score: Likely

Read on AppleInsider

ihatescreennames

I agree with the rumor score. Even without this article I already figured Apple would be working on the next version. As with their SOCs I’m sure they are working years out. 

danox

To make the target dates they’re probably working on the C3 and the M6 and M7 too…… oh and M5 series has been finished for some time too.

tht

It’s not much of a leak. The only thing revealed is a code name for a presumed 2nd gen Apple modem. 

Gurman already rumormongered the high level goals of the first 3 generations of modems:

1. This C1. No mmWave, limited band aggregation. For lower end products. 

2. “C2” in 2026. Feature competitive to high end QCOM modems. Will have mmWave. 
3. “C3” in 2027. Beats high end QCOM modems. 

Strategically, I think cell modems are commodities now. The market value of additional bandwidth is pretty close to zero. 2, 4, 8 gbit/s is nice for advertising your phone, but a rather small niche of customers will actually find value in it, while remaining 99% won’t be able to tell the difference and won’t buy the phone because of it. 

The biggest value is always having a connection. Modems aren’t going to solve this. Apple will probably have to fund GlobalStar hundreds of millions to a billion per year for another 10 years to develop a satellite based cellular network. It doesn’t look like the ground based carriers are much interested in increasing the breadth of their networks, other than building on top of what they have. 

Not sure what can be done for signal inside buildings and underground. Inside some buildings have pretty poor signal. Not buildings with high traffic like stadiums or airports, but offices, old buildings, houses, etc. 

eightzero

Put an Apple modem in a new Airport. With an Apple branded VPN in it. Then put an HDMI port and optical audio out on the back. And lastly...take my money.

discountopinion

C1 is not suitable for high end phones like previous posters have highlighted. C2 will likely be MVP for high end line.

Personally I think this is the beginning of a beautiful evolution and progressive synergy between the different features in the iPhone. Maybe the modem will progressively share compute with the rest of the SoC over time?

Similar to how another poster earlier said - connectivity everywhere and battery life is all what it is about. Mobile network providers are struggling with investment burden of modernizing the networks with ever shortening generational cycles of tech. Dont care if 8Gbps in the phone if no coverage.

I do think that Apple should buddy up closer to Starlink as GlobalStar is dead on arrival in comparison.