Apple’s Chip Revolution: The Tech Giant Takes a Bolder Stance In a move that could fundamentally alter the dynamics of the smartphone industry, Apple is taking a significant step towards asserting its control over the chips that power its iconic iPhones. For years, the tech giant has relied on external suppliers to design and manufacture the brains behind its devices. However, Apple is now poised to break free from this dependency and take a more hands-on approach to chip development. As reported by 9to5Mac, the company’s roadmap reveals a bold plan to design and manufacture its own chips, a move that could potentially give Apple greater control over the performance, security, and innovation of its devices. But what does this mean for the future of iPhones, and how will it impact the broader tech landscape? Let’s take a closer look.
Replaces Qualcomm with In-House Modem
Apple’s successful transition to Apple Silicon, replacing Intel processors, has given the company the confidence to take on another significant undertaking: replacing Qualcomm with in-house modems. The first step in this process is the C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e.
Apple’s First Step: C1 Modem in iPhone 16e
The C1 modem is more focused on efficiency, and as such, it doesn’t support 5G mmWave, and doesn’t support all of the same wavelengths as the existing Qualcomm modems. Despite these limitations, the C1 modem is still performant, according to tests. Apple has referred to the C1 modem as “the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity.”
The C1 modem will likely appear in the iPhone 17 Air, where its efficiency gains will be important for the thin form factor. However, it won’t make its way to most of the iPhone 17 lineup.
Limitations of C1 Modem: No 5G mmWave Support and Limited Wavelengths
The C1 modem’s limitations are notable. It doesn’t support 5G mmWave, which is a significant limitation. Additionally, it doesn’t support all of the same wavelengths as the existing Qualcomm modems. These limitations mean that the C1 modem isn’t the best of the best, and Apple is already working on future generation 5G modems to surpass Qualcomm.
Future C2 and C3 Modems
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple intends to fully replace Qualcomm within two generations. The C2 modem, codenamed Ganymede, will debut in the iPhone 18 lineup in 2026, as well as future iPad models in 2027. The C2 modem will be on-par with Qualcomm modems, with the addition of support for mmWave, download speeds of 6 gigabits per second, six-carrier aggregation when using Sub-6, and eight-carrier aggregation when using mmWave.
C2 Modem (Ganymede) to Debut in iPhone 18 Lineup (2026)
The C2 modem will be a significant improvement over the C1 modem, with the addition of mmWave support and improved performance. This will allow Apple to compete more effectively with Qualcomm in the modem market.
C3 Modem (Prometheus) to Surpass Qualcomm in iPhone 19 Lineup (2027)
The C3 modem, codenamed Prometheus, will debut in the iPhone 19 lineup in 2027. This modem will completely surpass Qualcomm, with improved performance and artificial intelligence features. Additionally, it will also build in support for next-generation satellite networks.
Expanding In-House Modem Capabilities
Following the successful transition to Apple Silicon, Apple is now focusing on replacing Qualcomm’s modems with its own in-house capabilities. This move is expected to bring significant improvements in efficiency, performance, and cost savings.
Apple Considering Cellular Support for MacBooks (2026)
According to Morningpicker’s sources, Apple is considering bringing cellular support to MacBooks as soon as 2026. This would be a significant move, allowing MacBooks to connect to the internet without the need for a separate modem.
In-House Modem Integration with Main Chipset (2028)
Morningpicker’s sources indicate that Apple is planning to integrate its cellular modems inside of the main Apple Silicon chipset. This integration is expected to happen by 2028 at the earliest, and would result in a single package, rather than separate chips.
This integration would provide a number of cost and efficiency benefits, and would be a significant step forward in Apple’s goal of handling all networking in-house.
New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chip
Morningpicker has learned that Apple is working on a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, codenamed Proxima. This chip is expected to debut in refreshed versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV later this year, and will support the Wi-Fi 6E standard.
Proxima Chip to Debut in HomePod mini, Apple TV, and iPhone 17 (2026)
Morningpicker’s sources indicate that the Proxima chip will debut in the entire iPhone 17 lineup later this year, rather than just the iPhone 17 Air. This move is expected to enhance connectivity across Apple devices, as well as reduce cost.
Analyst Predictions: Enhancing Connectivity and Reducing Cost
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that the Apple networking chip will debut in the entire iPhone 17 lineup later this year, rather than just the iPhone 17 Air. Kuo states that this will “enhance connectivity across Apple devices,” as well as reduce cost.
This move is significant, as it would allow Apple to further control the networking capabilities of its devices, and would likely result in improved performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its latest move to take control of the chips used in iPhones has significant implications for the tech industry. According to sources, Apple’s roadmap suggests a future where custom-designed silicon is the norm, allowing the company to optimize performance, security, and power efficiency. This shift would not only streamline the manufacturing process but also grant Apple greater control over the iPhone’s core components, potentially leading to improved user experiences and reduced costs.
The significance of this development cannot be overstated. By taking control of the chip design, Apple would be able to tailor its hardware to meet the evolving needs of its users, fostering a more seamless integration of software and hardware. This, in turn, could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and augmented reality. As Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market continues to grow, its ability to control the underlying technology will only serve to further solidify its position as a leader in the industry.