Search results for: “qualcomm”

  • Tim Cook reveals C1 modem’s power in iPhones

    Tim Cook reveals C1 modem’s power in iPhones

    Apple’s shiny new C1 modem, debuted in the iPhone 16e, is turning heads, and CEO Tim Cook just dropped some juicy tidbits about it. In the past, Apple kept hush-hush about the C1’s perks, but now Cook’s singing its praises, saying it boosts iPhone performance, especially battery life—a win for everyone.

    This homegrown modem is Apple’s first, and it’s already holding its own against Qualcomm’s tech, which powers Apple’s high-end iPhone models. Apple stayed low-key during the C1’s launch, likely because Qualcomm modems are still in their top-tier iPhones, like the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Hyping the C1 too much could steal the spotlight from those.

    But during a recent earnings chat, Cook couldn’t hold back, hinting the C1 outshines Qualcomm in efficiency and more. Early tests back this up, showing the C1 delivers strong real-world results. Thanks to its tight connection with iOS, the C1 helps iPhones manage data smarter, especially in busy network zones, ensuring a seamless user experience. Apple’s playing it cool for now, but once their Qualcomm deal wraps up, expect them to roll out the C1 or its next version, the C2, across all iPhones.

  • New Apple devices coming soon with upgraded chips

    New Apple devices coming soon with upgraded chips

    Apple fans, get ready—exciting updates are on the way! Later this year, around October 2025, Apple plans to launch new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models powered by the M5 chip. This follows their usual pattern, as the last MacBook Pro update happened in October 2024, and the current iPad Pro hit stores in May 2024.

    The M5 chip promises faster performance, keeping these gadgets ahead of the game. Mass production of the M5 iPad Pro is already gearing up for the second half of 2025, so the timing fits perfectly. Looking further ahead, Apple is working on even bigger things. By 2027, we might see an iPad Pro with the M6 chip and Apple’s very own 5G modem.

    Right now, iPads use Qualcomm’s modems, but Apple started switching to its custom C1 modem with the iPhone 16e in 2024. The goal? Better control and efficiency. Reports suggest this M6 iPad Pro could roll out in early 2027, sticking to Apple’s habit of refreshing iPads every 18 months or so.

    There’s more! Apple is also cooking up a basic iPad 12 with a new chip and a MacBook Air with the M5, both possibly arriving in 2026. Details are still fuzzy, but these upgrades show Apple’s focus on keeping its devices fresh and powerful. Stay tuned for more news as these launch dates get closer!

    Source/Via/Via

  • New iPhone 16e to test Apple’s own C1 Modem

    New iPhone 16e to test Apple’s own C1 Modem

    Apple is working on something exciting for its next iPhone, called the iPhone 16e. This phone might come with a brand-new modem made by Apple itself, named the C1. A modem is the part of a phone that helps it connect to the internet and make calls. Right now, Apple uses modems from another company called Qualcomm, but they want to switch to their own design soon.

    The iPhone 16e is expected to launch in early 2026. It could be a special version of the iPhone 16 lineup, designed to test this new C1 modem. Experts say Apple has been planning this change for a while. They even bought a part of Intel’s modem business back in 2019 to help them build their own tech. The C1 modem is said to be created using a 3-nanometer process, which means it’s super tiny but very powerful. This could make the phone faster and save battery life.

    Why is Apple doing this? They want more control over how their phones work and don’t want to rely on other companies. The C1 modem might also mix in some cool features, like better satellite connections, so you could send messages or call people even without regular cell service. Testing it in the iPhone 16e will help Apple see if it works well before putting it in all their phones.

    This isn’t the first time Apple has made its parts. They already design their own chips, like the A-series for iPhones and M-series for Macs, and those have worked out great. If the C1 modem does well, it could show up in more iPhones by 2027. For now, though, the iPhone 16e is like a sneak peek into Apple’s plans. Fans are excited to see if this new modem will make their phones even better!

  • New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    New iPhone 17 models to get Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Foldable MacBook-iPad mix might use macOS &18 Pro could have C2 modem

    All four iPhone 17 models will come with a Wi-Fi 7 chip made by Apple, says Jeff Pu, a tech expert who tracks Apple’s suppliers. In a note shared with GF Securities, Pu explained that Apple finished designing this chip in early 2024. It’s set to appear in the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max later this year.

    The iPhone 16 already has Wi-Fi 7, so that’s not new. What’s exciting is Apple creating its own Wi-Fi chip. Last month, Apple introduced its custom C1 modem for 5G and LTE in the iPhone 16e. Now, it’s moving away from companies like Broadcom for Wi-Fi chips and Qualcomm for modems by building its own tech. This helps Apple rely less on others. Another expert, Ming-Chi Kuo, also predicted this Wi-Fi chip switch for the iPhone 17.

    Wi-Fi 7 works on three bands—2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—at the same time with the right router. This means faster internet, less lag, and a stronger connection. Speeds can hit over 40 Gbps, four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E, if your device supports it. Expect the iPhone 17 lineup in about six months.

    Pu also shared news about Apple’s first foldable gadgets, set for mass production in late 2026. He says there’ll be a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch screen and a bigger 18.8-inch foldable device. This larger one might blend a MacBook and iPad, likely running macOS instead of iPadOS. That hints at a touch-screen Mac, which is a big deal! Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently said iOS 19 and macOS 16 updates could pave the way for such devices, but a touch-screen Mac this soon seems uncertain.

    Last month, Apple launched the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, part of its shift from Qualcomm. Pu says the slim iPhone 17 Air will use this C1 modem too, matching Kuo’s earlier scoop. Next year, the iPhone 18 Pro models might get a faster C2 modem with better power use and mmWave support in the U.S. Meanwhile, iPhone 17 Pro models will stick with Qualcomm modems for now. Apple’s deal with Qualcomm lasts until March 2027, giving it time to perfect its own chips.

  • Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Why Apple’s C1 chip skips super-fast 5G, according to Kuo

    Apple’s first homemade modem, the C1 chip, is missing one big feature: mmWave 5G, the super-speedy version of 5G. While some might not mind—since not many phone companies use it yet—there’s a clear reason behind this choice.

    Building the C1 chip took years. You’d think Apple, with its knack for making amazing Mac chips that outshine Intel’s, could whip up a modem easily. But it’s not that simple. Mobile data tech is a tricky puzzle for three main reasons.

    First, every country has its own rules for mobile data, and a chip meant for the world has to work with all of them. Second, even in one country, phone companies tweak these rules differently, and Apple has to match each one. Third, the chip must handle not just today’s standards, like 5G, but also older ones like 4G, switching smoothly if the signal drops. That means supporting every version of every standard, old and new, everywhere.

    That’s why the C1’s spec list is a long one, covering tons of 5G bands, 4G types, and even older tech like GSM, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It’s a lot to juggle! Apple had to make some tough calls with the C1. Rumors hinted at compromises, and they were right. The chip skips mmWave 5G and sticks to Wi-Fi 6 instead of jumping to Wi-Fi 7.

    Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the mmWave skip is about saving power. Apple brags that the C1 uses way less energy than the Qualcomm chips it replaces. Adding mmWave isn’t hard, but making it work well without draining the battery is a challenge. That’s why Apple left it out for now. The good news? Kuo says Apple is already working on a better C1 for next year. This updated version will tackle power use, boost speed, and finally add mmWave 5G support. So, faster 5G is coming—just not yet!

  • Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Apple’s latest updates and deals you should know about

    Big things are happening in the Apple world! Recently, Best Buy kicked off the first discount on the new M3 iPad Air. This tablet comes with a powerful chip, a sleek design, and now a lower price, making it a great time to grab one if you’ve been thinking about upgrading your tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple has decided to stop selling the older M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. They’re clearing the way for newer stuff, so if you loved those laptops, they won’t be around much longer. On the flip side, Apple just launched a fresh MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a cool sky-blue color. It’s fast, stylish, and perfect for anyone wanting a modern laptop.

    That’s not all—Apple also unveiled the M3 Ultra chip, a super-strong processor for heavy tasks like video editing or gaming. This new chip is powering the updated Mac Studio, which also offers an M4 Max option. These machines are built for people who need top performance, whether for work or creative projects.

    In other news, Qualcomm, a big tech company, bragged that its X85 modem beats Apple’s tech in speed and power. This could mean tougher competition for Apple’s devices down the road, especially for things like Internet speed on phones and tablets.

    From discounts to brand-new gadgets, Apple is keeping things exciting. Whether you’re after a deal on the M3 iPad Air or eyeing the shiny new MacBook Air in sky blue, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the M3 Ultra and Mac Studio upgrades, power users have plenty to cheer about. Stay tuned—Apple’s not slowing down anytime soon!

  • iFixit explores iPhone 16e and its new C1 Modem

    iFixit explores iPhone 16e and its new C1 Modem

    iFixit recently posted a teardown video where they carefully took apart the iPhone 16e to check out what’s inside. The iPhone 16e comes with a handy feature: its battery glue can loosen up with a small jolt of electricity, just like the other iPhone 16 models. This makes swapping out the battery a bit easier.

    A previous teardown showed that the iPhone 16e has a 15.55 Wh battery, which is larger than the 13.83 Wh one in earlier models. iFixit explains that Apple fit this bigger battery because the phone’s single-lens back camera leaves extra room inside.

    The teardown also gives us a good peek at Apple’s new C1 modem, tucked under the RF board. It looks a lot like the Qualcomm X71M modem, with a 4nm design and some memory built in. However, the 7nm signal boosters are separate from the modem itself.

    iFixit wasn’t too happy with some of Apple’s choices, though. For example, fixing the USB-C port is a hassle because you have to take out everything inside the phone first. Still, they gave a nod to some repair-friendly updates. Thanks to changes in iOS, parts pairing isn’t as strict anymore.

    Plus, there’s a small metal piece that keeps a delicate cable safe when you open the phone, which is a nice touch. In short, while the iPhone 16e isn’t perfect for repairs, it’s moving in a better direction with these small but helpful tweaks.

  • Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Apple’s plan to build its own tech: What’s Coming Next

    Back in 2020, Apple decided to switch from Intel chips to its own Apple Silicon for Macs. This big change worked out well. In less than three years, Apple created chips that were quicker and used less power than Intel’s, making their devices better. Now, Apple is taking on Qualcomm. They’ve started with the C1 modem in the new iPhone 16e. It’s the first step toward controlling all their networking tech themselves.

    What’s Next for Modems: C2 and C3

    The C1 modem, launched with the iPhone 16e, focuses on saving battery life. It doesn’t handle super-fast 5G mmWave or match Qualcomm’s full range yet. Still, it’s solid and works well. Apple calls it the “most energy-saving modem ever in an iPhone,” offering fast and steady 5G.

    The C1 won’t be in most iPhone 17 models but might show up in the iPhone 17 Air, where saving power matters for its slim design. Meanwhile, Apple is already planning to build better modems. The C2, nicknamed Ganymede, is set for the iPhone 18 in 2026 and iPads in 2027.

    It’ll match Qualcomm with faster downloads and stronger connections. Then, in 2027, the C3 (Prometheus) will roll out with the iPhone 19, aiming to beat Qualcomm with smarter features and satellite support. Apple’s also thinking about adding cellular to MacBooks by 2026, thanks to these homegrown modems.

    New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip

    Apple isn’t stopping with modems. They’re also replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. A new chip, called Proxima, could launch this year in updated HomePod minis and Apple TVs. It’ll support speedy Wi-Fi 6E and might even act as a mini router. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it’ll hit the whole iPhone 17 lineup, boosting how Apple devices connect and cutting costs. It’ll reach iPads and Macs by 2026, too.

    Combining Chips for the Future

    Down the road, Apple wants to blend its modems into the main Apple Silicon chip. Instead of separate pieces like the A18 and C1, it’d all be one unit. This could save money and power, but it’s not happening until at least 2028. Apple’s pushing hard to build more of its own tech, and these changes show they’re just getting started.

  • How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    How quick is Apple’s first 5G Modem? the answers might surprise you

    The iPhone 16e reviews are out, and Apple’s new C1 modem is stealing the spotlight. People thought it might lag behind Qualcomm modems, but the early results tell a different story—its speed is holding up pretty well! The C1 modem skips the super-fast mmWave 5G used in the U.S., but it still matches the 5G performance of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X71 modem, which powers the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Here’s what some tech reviewers found.

    Allison Johnson from The Verge said she barely noticed a difference between the C1 and X71. She tested the iPhone 16e for FaceTime calls, uploading big video files in busy spots, and streaming YouTube on a bus. She compared it to a regular iPhone 16 with a Qualcomm modem on Verizon, and both worked about the same.

    John Velasco from Tom’s Guide agreed. He tested the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 in New York City and found no big speed gaps. Only one test showed the 16e pulling ahead slightly. What about hard numbers? Andru Edwards, in a video review, clocked the iPhone 16e at 673 Mbps download speed in his suburban New York yard on AT&T. The iPhone 16 Pro Max hit 667 Mbps in the same spot—pretty close! In busy New York City, the 16e reached 127 Mbps, beating the Pro Max’s 75 Mbps, though the Pro Max uploaded faster (50 Mbps vs. 30 Mbps).

    YouTuber Dave Lee from Dave2D tested in Toronto on the Bell network. His iPhone 16e was 30-40 Mbps faster than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the Chinese channel Geekerwan ran lab tests with an artificial 5G network. The iPhone 16e matched the iPhone 16 and other phones in speed and reliability.

    Apple claims the C1 is their most energy-saving modem yet—up to 25% more efficient than Qualcomm’s. Geekerwan’s tests back this up, showing the 16e using 0.67W compared to 0.88W for the iPhone 16. Overall, the C1 modem surprises everyone by keeping up with the best, while sipping less power, in both real life and lab settings.

  • iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    iPhone 16e modem performs well and saves power, early tests show

    Early tests of the iPhone 16e’s cell signal strength reveal some exciting news. A Chinese tech site, Geekerwan, ran several 5G checks on the iPhone 16e using a fake cell tower set up in their lab. Overall, the iPhone 16e worked just as well as the iPhone 16 for staying connected, with similar speeds and dependability. Plus, Apple’s promise of better power use seems spot on. Geekerwan found that the new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e used much less energy than the Qualcomm modem in the iPhone 16.

    The best part? The iPhone 16e didn’t show any big surprises—it matched the iPhone 16’s performance nicely (though it doesn’t have mmWave support). They also tested both phones on a subway ride. Speeds went up and down, but all iPhone 16 models had about the same number of signal drops and connection quality.

    Looking at power use, the difference was clear. Apple says the C1 modem saves up to 25% more energy, and the numbers back that up. In strong signal areas, the iPhone 16 used 0.88 watts on 5G, while the 16e only needed 0.67 watts—that’s about 24% less. In weak signal spots, the 16 averaged 0.81 watts, and the 16e stayed at 0.67 watts, a 17% drop.

    For real-life battery tests, the iPhone 16e lasted 7 hours and 53 minutes streaming video on 5G. The iPhone 16 managed 7 hours, and the 16 Pro hit 6 hours and 54 minutes. So, the 16e outlasted them by nearly an hour. The bigger Plus and Pro Max models, with larger batteries, reached about 8.5 hours.

    Still, it’s tricky to know if the longer battery life comes from the C1 modem alone or the 16e’s bigger 3961mAH battery, which is 12% larger than the 16 Pro’s. It looks like Apple boosted the iPhone 16e’s staying power with both a smarter modem and a roomier battery.