Apple introduced its in-house C1X 5G modem alongside its new flagship phone, the iPhone Air. While the company touted that this modem is both faster and consumes 30% less power than rival Qualcomm modems, industry experts paint a different picture. Ben Bajarin, CEO of Creative Strategies, states that Qualcomm modems still lead in terms of speed and raw performance. However, he emphasizes that the most striking aspect is the C1X’s improved battery life.
The Apple C1X Modem’s Biggest Advantage Is Battery Life
Apple’s C1X modem lacks mmWave 5G support and is limited to sub-6 GHz frequencies. This is seen as a disadvantage, especially for users seeking the highest speeds. In contrast, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 chip stands out with its speed and mmWave support, particularly in other models of the iPhone 17 series.
However, Bajarin says that for most users, the most important thing isn’t raw speeds, but rather daily performance and battery life. Thanks to Apple’s ability to integrate hardware and software, the C1X operates with lower power consumption, allowing the iPhone Air to reach up to 27 hours of video playback. This makes the C1X an attractive alternative for those who want to use their phones for longer periods of time without the hassle of charging.
Bajarin believes Apple will continue to rely on Qualcomm for its 5G modems for some time to come. It will take time for the company to fully deploy its own modems, as its 5G modem licensing agreement with Qualcomm runs until March 2027. However, Apple’s ultimate goal is to combine 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chips into a single package to save space and further extend battery life. This move could signal even more integrated and efficient solutions in future iPhone models.
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