Apple’s C1 5G modem found in the newly launched iPhone 16e will likely be the talk of this industry for a couple of weeks because, despite innumerable challenges, the company came out on top in delivering its first in-house baseband chip. While this is a major milestone for the firm that has been aiming to reduce its dependency on Qualcomm, its foundry partner TSMC will benefit immensely from the C1 because not only will this modem be found in other Apple products, but there are plans to develop and mass produce more in-house solutions on advanced lithographies.
The second-generation in-house 5G modem codenamed ‘Ganymede’ is expected to be mass produced on TSMC’s 3nm process, which could be the C2 that Apple is already testing
The price of each C1 5G modem was not mentioned by China Times, but considering that the iPhone 16e is estimated to ship around 22 million units in 2025, TSMC will be recording a hefty sum to its annual revenue. To remind you, the C1 and its transceiver have been mass produced on the Taiwanese firm’s 4nm and 7nm technologies, respectively, allowing the iPhone 16e to flaunt incredible battery life to the point that it can outlast any iPhone that features a 6.1-inch display.
According to the report, the C1 is just the start of something grand, as the Apple Watch and iPad lineup will also be treated to the custom 5G modem in 2026, though there is no word on any specific model. Also, the development and testing of the C2 is underway, suggesting that Apple is working in overdrive mode to bring its in-house baseband chips to a host of devices. The C2 could be the company’s second-generation offering codenamed ‘Ganymede,’ and it could leverage TSMC’s 3nm process to deliver improved efficiency over the C1.
Shortly after, Apple could follow it up with the launch of ‘Prometheus,’ which could be called the C3. In total, the California-based giant could be testing three variants of its custom 5G modems, each tailor-made to be found in a specific form factor. Best of all, we expect mmWave support to be added to the C2 next year, putting it on equal footing with Qualcomm’s offerings. At this time, the C1 lacks mmWave support, but it could be a cost barrier that might be eliminated with the arrival of its successor. Overall, a positive picture is being painted for TSMC, with Qualcomm on the losing end of this battle.
News Source: China Times
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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