Apple's C1 Modem Surprises: Outperforming Qualcomm in Key Benchmarks

Apple’s C1 Modem Outperforms in Real-World Benchmarks

Ookla, a network testing company, conducted a study comparing the performance of Apple's new C1 modem in the iPhone 16e against Qualcomm's modem in the standard iPhone 16. The study analyzed data from the top three US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon) across different performance tiers: 10th percentile (lowest), median, and 90th percentile (highest).

Key Findings:

• 10th Percentile: The iPhone 16e with C1 performed better in low-performance scenarios, indicating a more reliable connection when network conditions are poor.
• 90th Percentile: Qualcomm’s modem outperformed the C1 in terms of top download speeds, but this is less relevant to overall user experience due to diminishing returns and mmWave coverage.
• Median Performance: The iPhone 16e with C1 offered faster median download speeds on AT&T and Verizon, while T-Mobile users saw slightly better performance with Qualcomm.
• Upload Speeds: Across all carriers, the iPhone 16e with C1 had consistently faster upload speeds, often doubling those of the Qualcomm modem.

Implications:

Apple's C1 modem has surpassed expectations by performing well in key areas. While it is currently used only in less premium models like the iPhone 16e, these findings suggest a promising future for Apple’s continued development of modems.