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iPhone 17 Air said to feature C1 modem made by Apple, here is what that means for you

iPhone 17 Air said to feature C1 modem made by Apple, here is what that means for you

India Today26-06-2025
Apple's push to take greater control over its hardware continues. According to recent reports, the company is working on a refreshed in-house modem. The rumour has it that the upcoming iPhone 17 Air will debut the company's in-house C1 modem. Launched alongside the iPhone 16e last month, the C1 marks the Cupertino-based tech giant's first proprietary cellular modem. This move marks a significant shift in Apple's strategy to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers, most notably Qualcomm, for key components that power wireless connectivity in its devices. So, what exactly is the C1 modem, and what difference will it make to the iPhone 17 Air's performance? Let's find out. advertisementApple's C1 modemThe C1 is Apple's first-generation baseband chip, designed to handle the iPhone's mobile network communications. Unlike processors or GPUs, baseband modems don't need to adopt an advanced manufacturing process to deliver meaningful gains. In fact, the C1 combines various process technologies, say, its core baseband logic is built on 4/5nm nodes, while the low-frequency and intermediate frequency transceivers (TRx) use 7nm technology. The power management integrated circuit (PMIC) relies on a more mature 55nm node.This balanced approach allows Apple to optimise performance and cost without chasing the latest semiconductor processes, like 3nm, that deliver minimal benefits for modems. While newer manufacturing nodes can improve power efficiency, the baseband isn't the biggest power drain on a smartphone's wireless system, so the returns are limited.What does this mean for iPhone 17 Air users?advertisement
The current C1 modem is designed to deliver solid transmission speeds and reliable network performance on existing 4G and sub-6GHz 5G networks. However, Apple is also working on a refreshed version of the C1, aimed at mass production next year. This updated modem promises better power efficiency and faster transmission rates, alongside support for mmWave 5G — the high-frequency, ultra-fast wireless standard that's been slower to roll out globally.While adding mmWave support isn't technically difficult, Apple's challenge lies in achieving consistent performance without significantly impacting battery life — an area where the refreshed C1 will reportedly bring meaningful improvements. Interestingly, the mmWave transceivers and front-end components are expected to use a 28nm process, again highlighting that for this type of hardware, newer isn't always better.For consumers, the shift to an Apple-designed modem could offer a few benefits, including tighter integration with the rest of the iPhone's hardware, potentially more consistent real-world connectivity, and in the long term, a platform for Apple to innovate in ways that third-party solutions might not allow.However, don't expect dramatic changes in your day-to-day experience just yet, the real gains will come gradually, as Apple refines its modem technology in future devices. iPhone 17 Air: What to expect advertisementThe upcoming iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to feature a silicon-carbon battery, which could help deliver better battery life than many had anticipated, despite the device's compact size. Previous leaks suggest the ultra-slim handset will pack a 2,800mAh battery — notably smaller than that of the base iPhone model — but the adoption of silicon-carbon technology may offset this with improved efficiency.Expected to be Apple's slimmest and one of its lightest smartphones to date, the iPhone 17 Air is said to weigh around 146g. This would align with recent reports pointing to a device designed to be both light and sleek. As with other recent models, the handset is expected to support Face ID for biometric security.In a bid to keep the weight down, Apple is reportedly opting for a frame made from 7000 series aluminium alloy, rather than the titanium used in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. The frame itself could weigh up to 30g, according to some sources. The heaviest components are said to be the 120Hz OLED display and the silicon-carbon battery, each reportedly tipping the scales at 35g.Camera specifications are also rumoured to include a single 48-megapixel rear camera and a 24-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls. Powering the device will likely be Apple's forthcoming A19 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM — similar to what was offered with the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 17 Air is also expected to feature a glass back and support for wireless charging via MagSafe.If true, these details suggest Apple is aiming to deliver a slim, lightweight handset without compromising on performance or features. However, as with all pre-launch leaks, these details should be treated with caution until the official unveiling.- Ends
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