Apple's Self-Designed Chips Make a Full-Scale Advance: After the iPhone 16e, Self-Designed Modems and Wi-Fi Chips Will Be the Future Trend

Apple's Self-Designed Chips Make a Full-Scale Advance: After the iPhone 16e, Self-Designed Modems and Wi-Fi Chips Will Be the Future TrendFollowing the iPhone 16e's launch, more information about Apple's self-designed 5G modem has emerged. Reports indicate that Apple is actively developing an upgraded version of the Apple C1, aiming for mass production next year

Apple's Self-Designed Chips Make a Full-Scale Advance: After the iPhone 16e, Self-Designed Modems and Wi-Fi Chips Will Be the Future Trend

The highly anticipated iPhone 16e recently launched on Apple's website, officially commencing sales. The most notable aspect of this new release wasn't a new phone series, but the long-awaited debut of Apple's self-designed modem. The iPhone 16e features Apple's first in-house cellular modem, the Apple C1. Official documentation states that the C1 is the most energy-efficient modem in iPhone history, delivering fast and stable 5G cellular connectivity.

Following the iPhone 16e's launch, more information about Apple's self-designed 5G modem has emerged. Reports indicate that Apple is actively developing an upgraded version of the Apple C1, aiming for mass production next year. This upgraded modem aims to further enhance transmission speeds, reduce power consumption, and support millimeter-wave technology. While supporting millimeter-wave isn't particularly challenging, the real technical hurdle lies in maintaining low power consumption while ensuring stable operation.

Unlike Apple's processors, its self-designed modems won't utilize the latest manufacturing processes, such as 3nm, due to considerations of return on investment. Therefore, we likely won't see a 3nm Apple-designed modem until at least next year.

Regarding future products featuring Apple's subsequent self-designed 5G modems, leaks suggest the iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 series are strong candidates. Considering these models aren't positioned at the high-end of the iPhone lineup, Apple's choice to debut its self-designed modems on them for wider adoption is a plausible strategy.

Apple began developing its own 5G modem for iPhones in 2018 to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, its reliance on Qualcomm. It's worth noting that Apple and Qualcomm reached a new 5G modem supply agreement last year, valid until 2026. This gives Apple ample time for a smooth transition to its self-designed 5G modems.

Based on this information, the iPhone 17 series, launching later this year, might not feature the self-designed C1 modem across its entire lineup. Previous leaks suggest a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will replace the Plus model, and this new model may be the first to feature Apple's self-designed C1 5G modem. Other iPhone 17 series models might continue to use Qualcomm's 5G modem products. However, this is expected to be temporary; as technology matures, subsequent iPhone models should fully adopt Apple's self-designed 5G modems.

Apple's self-design plans extend beyond 5G modems. Apple's self-designed Wi-Fi chip, internally codenamed "Proxima," is also nearing completion. This chip will replace Broadcom's Wi-Fi chips and is slated for use in Apple products starting in 2025. Initial applications will include iPhones, Apple TVs, and HomePod minis, with iPads and Macs expected to follow in 2026.

Excitingly, the iPhone 17 series, launching later this year, is expected to feature Apple's self-designed Wi-Fi chip across its entire lineup, serving as a key selling point. This self-designed Wi-Fi chip is expected to enhance interconnectivity between Apple devices while reducing production costs.

This means the new iPhone 17 Air could feature Apple's self-designed A-series chip, self-designed C1 5G modem, and self-designed Wi-Fi chipa milestone achievement for Apple. The comprehensive push for self-designed chips signifies Apple's stronger control over core technologies, promising significant improvements in performance, energy efficiency, and cost control for future Apple products. The successful implementation of this strategy will further solidify Apple's position in the mobile device market and lay a strong foundation for future innovation. As Apple's self-designed chip technology matures, Apple products will undoubtedly exhibit even stronger competitiveness. Apple's continued investment and breakthroughs in self-designed chips have not only enhanced the competitiveness of its own products but have also had a profound impact on the technological development of the entire industry.

Apple's continued investment and research in self-designed chips portends a future where its products boast superior performance, lower power consumption, and better value. Apple's command of core technologies marks a further strengthening of its core competitiveness in the mobile device sector, offering endless possibilities for future innovation and development. Consumers will also benefit from these technological advancements, experiencing better user experiences and more cost-effective products. Apple's self-designed chip strategy will undoubtedly profoundly influence the future competitive landscape of the mobile device industry, driving technological progress and innovation throughout the sector. Apple's success story also provides invaluable experience and guidance for other technology companies.

By actively researching and gradually applying self-designed chips, Apple is building a more comprehensive ecosystem, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of its products and further strengthening its leadership position in the industry. This vertically integrated strategy not only effectively controls costs but also ensures optimal product performance and user experience. The success of Apple's self-designed chips also provides new ideas and inspiration for other technology companies, driving innovation and development throughout the industry. In the future, as Apple's self-designed chip technology continues to advance, we have reason to expect Apple to bring consumers more amazing products and services. The rise of Apple's self-designed chips is profoundly changing the competitive landscape of the mobile device industry and heralds a more diversified and innovative era to come. This is not only a successful strategic deployment by Apple itself, but also a reflection of the progress and development of the entire technology industry.

Apple's long-term investment and unwavering belief in its self-designed chip technology have finally paid off. This is not just a commercial success but also the best interpretation of technological innovation and independent research and development. Apple has set an example for us, demonstrating the determination and ability of technology companies in the independent research and development of core technologies. Their success will encourage more companies to invest in independent research and development, jointly promoting the progress and development of the technology industry. Apple's exploration in the field of self-designed chips has pointed the way for future technological development and heralds a more independent and innovative technological era to come.