Introduction to Apple’s C1 Modem

Apple has recently introduced its first proprietary cellular modem, the C1, as part of the recently-launched iPhone 16e. The company behind Speedtest, Ookla, has conducted a series of benchmark tests on the C1 modem, which have yielded surprisingly positive results, especially when compared to the Qualcomm chips used in the pricier iPhone 16 handsets.

Performance Comparison

The C1 modem lacks mmWave 5G support but still performs well in terms of speed. According to Ookla’s tests, the iPhone 16e offered average download speeds of 560Mbps for the top 90th percentile of users on AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. In contrast, the standard iPhone 16 with the Qualcomm chip achieved average download speeds of 756Mbps. Although the difference is noticeable, it is not drastic.

Speed Test Results

A speed test conducted by Ookla found that the iPhone 16e outperformed the standard iPhone 16 in certain scenarios. When considering the bottom 10th percentile, the iPhone 16e achieved an average data speed of nearly 218Mbps, surpassing the Qualcomm-based model’s average of 210Mbps. Notably, the iPhone 16e performed best on AT&T and Verizon’s networks but was slower on T-Mobile.

Upload Speeds and Power Efficiency

In terms of upload speeds, the 16e outperformed the traditional iPhone 16 in almost every test. Apple has touted the C1 as the "most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone," which seems to be accurate based on the test results. Ookla’s findings align with the official iPhone 16e review, which noted that the C1 modem outperformed even the iPhone 16 Pro in certain use cases.

Future Plans and Implications

Although the C1 chip does not support ultrawideband 5G, Apple’s investment in building an in-house modem appears to have been a worthwhile endeavor, much like the development of the speedy M-series chips. The company reportedly has significant plans for future iterations, including the potential release of the C2 and the creation of an all-purpose processor that contains an integrated modem. This could lead to substantial energy and cost benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the C1 modem has shown promising performance in Ookla’s benchmark tests, especially considering its power efficiency and potential for future development. As Apple continues to invest in its in-house modem technology, it will be interesting to see how this affects the company’s future products and the broader tech industry.