2026: The Year of Apple's mmWave C1 Modem?

Apple's mmWave C1 Modem Delayed Until 2026

According to a report from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, an updated version of Apple's C1 modem with mmWave support will not enter mass production until 2026. The current C1 5G modem, while efficient, lacks mmWave capabilities. This delay means that the iPhone 17 range will not feature an Apple-made mmWave modem.

Key Points:

• Modem Process Technology:

  • Baseband: 4/5nm
  • Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx: 7nm
  • Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm
  • PMIC: 55nm

• A refreshed version of the C1 modem is in development for mass production next year, using a 28nm process instead of the expected 3nm.

• Kuo notes that baseband chips do not aggressively adopt the latest advanced nodes due to low ROI.

• Apple is likely to continue using Qualcomm modems across the iPhone 17 lineup, with the exception of a slimmer iPhone model.

Analyst Insights:

Ming-Chi Kuo has a history of accurately predicting Apple's plans, though recent reports have lacked specific sourcing. Nonetheless, it is expected that Apple will continue developing its C-series modems, and an mmWave version will eventually be released.