The C1 modem currently found in the iPhone 16e is carving a path for Apple to introduce more capable in-house 5G solutions in the future, with the company already reported to be testing the C2 that features the unique designation number C4020. Now, one tipster has already provided the launch year for the C3 and believes that the third-generation baseband chip will launch in 2027. Interestingly, it is the same year Apple’s licensing agreement with Qualcomm will end, and it could materialize a host of events that we are not ready for.
Three variants of Apple’s in-house 5G modem are already planned for a number of devices; no word if the C3 will exclusively be for iPhones
On Weibo, Digital Chat Station has not clarified if the C3 is under development or will enter development but claims that Apple will launch the 5G modem in 2027. As stated above, this is the same year when the licensing agreement with Qualcomm will end, severing a massive revenue chain for the San Diego firm. Given that Apple is expected to have three generations of its in-house 5G modems by then, and it will have to keep paying Qualcomm a hefty premium if it agrees to renew that agreement, the California-based giant will likely decide against partnering with the chipset maker.
At this time, Apple continues to depend on Qualcomm for its Snapdragon lineup of 5G modems, and one possibility that the C1 will not end up in the iPhone 17 series later this year is because it lacks mmWave support. There is also the possibility that the C1 underperforms compared to the Snapdragon X71, so Apple may not want to diminish the capabilities of its iPhone 17 lineup, despite the advantage being that it will save a ton of money and make its devices more power-efficient.
We have previously reported that Apple is said to be working on three variants of its 5G modem that will be used in different products. For instance, the C1 is rumored to arrive for a future Apple Watch and iPad range, so it is likely that the C3 could end up being a part of multiple products. With the passage of time, Apple may adopt a newer and more efficient manufacturing process belonging to TSMC.
With the C1 and its transceiver mass produced on the 4nm and 7nm technologies, the C3 could easily leverage the 3nm ‘N3P’ node. Unfortunately, there is insufficient data to confirm all this information, but as always, we will be back with more updates.
News Source: Digital Chat Station
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