Unexpected features from the C1 modem that will come with the iPhone 17 Air

NEWS CENTER

Created: July 17, 2025 10:18

The C1, the company's first in-house-designed modem chip, will reach a wider audience with this model. First used in the iPhone 16e, the C1 not only reduces Apple's reliance on Qualcomm but also provides direct benefits to users in terms of battery life and connectivity.

NOTABLE JUMP IN BATTERY LIFE

Apple says the C1 modem delivers the most efficient 5G connection ever in an iPhone. Combined with iOS 18's advanced energy management, C1 offers a significant advantage for users spending time on a 5G network, especially when not on Wi-Fi. Rapid battery drain is a major concern for those using data regularly, and C1 significantly reduces this.

The fact that Apple's ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will use the C1 modem demonstrates the significant role this energy efficiency plays. The company aims to transition to C-series modems in more of its devices in the future, aiming for both longer battery life and thinner product designs.

SMARTER DATA MANAGEMENT IN DIFFICULT TIMES

The C1 modem stands out not only for its energy efficiency but also for its more intelligent data management. With this new modem, Apple has achieved much tighter integration with the processor. For example, during periods of high data traffic, the device's processor informs the modem which data is prioritized. This gives priority to video calls or live content, providing a smoother user experience.

"The C1 uses signals from the processor to understand which data traffic is more critical and prioritize it accordingly. This wasn't possible with Qualcomm modems," said Arun Mathias, Apple's vice president of Wireless Software, emphasizing the system's uniqueness.

C1 IS JUST A BEGINNING

Apple 's C-series modems aren't limited to just these two features. The company is reportedly planning to release the C2 modem in 2026, followed by the even more advanced C3 modem in 2027. This new modem family looks set to further enhance the connectivity experience of future iPhones, while increasing Apple's control over hardware and software integration.