Apple's C2 Modem: A Leap Forward in iPhone 5G Connectivity and Battery Life

Leaker Claims Apple's Next-Gen C2 Modem Is Already In Testing -- Here's What It Means For iPhone 5G Connectivity - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)

Apple Inc. AAPL is reportedly testing its second-generation C2 modem for upcoming iPhone models. What Happened: A private X, formerly Twitter, account with a track record of accurate Apple leaks claims that the company is already testing the C2 modem, internally identified as "C4020," reported MacRumors. Apple's next-generation modem is expected to deliver improved 5G connectivity with enhanced speed and reliability while also being more energy efficient. See Also: Meta Stock Has Soared Almost 50% Over A Year But Now The Company Is Slashing Staff Stock Awards As It Braces To Face OpenAI, Amazon And Others In AI Race The latest rumor signals a major step in Apple's effort to move away from Qualcomm Inc.'s QCOM chips and improve in-house wireless technology. Earlier reports suggested that Apple's first modem, C1, might be slower than Qualcomm's Snapdragon X75 modem. Why It Matters: The current C1 modem in the iPhone 16e is already noted for its power efficiency, contributing to the longest battery life among 6.1-inch iPhones. Apple's chipmaking chief, Johny Srouji, mentioned that the C1 modem is just the beginning, with the C2 modem marking the next phase. Bloomberg's columnist Mark Gurman previously highlighted the significance of Apple's first in-house modem, calling it a "monumental technical achievement" after a seven-year, multi-billion-dollar effort. However, Gurman noted that Apple gave it minimal attention in its official announcements, which he believes was intentional. Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also weighed in, stating that all iPhone 17 models set to launch in late 2025 will feature Apple's own Wi-Fi chips, a move aimed at reducing reliance on Broadcom Inc. AVGO. He also said that only the slim iPhone 17 model is expected to adopt Apple's C1 modem. Meanwhile, Flighty CEO Ryan Jones has questioned whether the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e can match expectations. Price Action: Apple's stock closed at $245.83 on Thursday, rising 0.39% for the day. However, in after-hours trading, it edged down 0.094% to $245.60, according to Benzinga Pro data. Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by following this link. Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com Read Next: China's Tech Giants Alibaba, ByteDance, And Meituan Are Expanding Their Silicon Valley AI Footprints Amid US Efforts To Block Progress: Here's Why Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. AAPLApple Inc$245.600.30%OverviewAVGOBroadcom Inc$226.68-0.90%QCOMQualcomm Inc$173.43-1.02%Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Apple might fix iPhone's biggest problem with its C2 modem

Apple is reportedly testing its second-generation C2 modem for future iPhone models, according to a reliable leaker who shared this information via a private account on X, as reported by MacRumors. The C2 modem is identified as C4020 within Apple. While no additional details were given, the confirmation of its existence aligns with Apple's practice of developing new iPhone chips several years in advance. The forthcoming C2 modem aims to deliver faster and more reliable 5G connectivity and could offer enhanced power efficiency. In comparison, Apple's current C1 modem featured in the iPhone 16e has been touted as the most power-efficient modem to date, enabling the device to achieve the longest battery life of any 6.1-inch iPhone, surpassing even the more advanced iPhone 16. Speed tests for the C1 modem are still awaited, but early indicators suggest it will perform slower than Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon X75 modem, utilized in other iPhones. Apple's chipmaking chief, Johny Srouji, described the C1 modem as just the "start," suggesting the C2 modem will progress further in this technological journey. iPhone 15 Pro gets a secret AI upgrade you didn't know about The iPhone 17, anticipated for release later this year, is expected to highlight Apple's advancements in chip manufacturing. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo announced that Apple will expedite the transition from Qualcomm's modems to in-house chips, with plans for all new iPhone 17 models in the latter half of 2025 to feature Apple's own Wi-Fi chips. In contrast, the slim iPhone 17 model will be equipped with Apple's C1 modem chip. Kuo noted that this switch to Apple-designed Wi-Fi chips is not solely a cost-saving measure but also aims to "enhance connectivity across Apple devices." The implications of this statement are still unclear, although it may relate to predictive computing or enhancements for Apple's smart home ecosystem. Rumors suggest a significant refresh of the Apple TV could further position it as a central hub within this ecosystem. Apple's previous statements about the C1 modem highlight its role in improving battery performance for the iPhone 16e. The upcoming Wi-Fi chip may also emphasize the company's ability to finely tune its hardware according to user needs. As Apple increasingly assembles complete control over the components in its devices, the iPhone 17 is expected to mark another step towards this goal. While Apple transitions to its own modem and Wi-Fi chips, it's important to note that these innovations are often built on existing patents. For instance, even though Apple has begun replacing Qualcomm modems in various iPhone models, a patent agreement allows Qualcomm to receive royalty payments despite not manufacturing the C1 modem. On the day of Kuo's announcement, shares of Broadcom and Qualcomm fell about 1%, while Apple's stock increased by half a percent.