Apple recently touted the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e as the “most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone,” contributing to the device’s impressive battery life. However, the newly released iPads won’t be enjoying the same advantage.
Despite earlier speculation, Apple confirmed that the latest iPads are not equipped with the C1 modem. This information, initially questioned due to the iPads’ specifications, was verified by an Apple representative, according to John Gruber. While Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously predicted the C1’s inclusion in lower-end 2025 iPads, this has proven inaccurate.
Apple’s development of the custom C1 modem aims to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm. While Apple emphasized the C1’s power efficiency in the iPhone 16e, questions remain about its overall performance compared to Qualcomm’s offerings. Gurman’s suggestion that the C1 won’t appear in higher-end devices for some time implies ongoing development and refinement.
What does this mean for the new iPads? While they may not achieve the same power efficiency as the iPhone 16e, Qualcomm modems have consistently delivered reliable performance in Apple products, so no significant negative impact is expected.
Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed on X that a “refreshed” C1 modem is in development for mass production next year. This updated version aims to improve power consumption, transmission speed, and add mmWave support. Kuo detailed the current C1’s process technology as follows:
- Baseband: 4/5nm
- Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx (Transceivers): 7nm
- Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm
- PMIC: 55nm
The decision to exclude the C1 modem from the new iPads suggests a strategic rollout plan for Apple’s custom silicon. While the iPhone 16e serves as a testing ground for the C1, further refinement appears necessary before broader implementation across Apple’s product line. The upcoming “refreshed” C1 may address these limitations and pave the way for wider adoption in future devices.
In conclusion, while the new iPads won’t benefit from the C1 modem’s potential power savings, they continue to rely on proven Qualcomm technology. Apple’s ongoing development of the C1, including the upcoming refreshed version, signals a long-term commitment to custom silicon and potentially greater control over its product ecosystem.
