Apple Testing New C2 Modem for Future iPhones; Faster Speeds and Improved Battery Life Expected

Apple is testing its C2 modem for future iPhones, aiming to deliver better speed and battery life. After introducing its first custom modem, the company is now working on a second version, known internally as the C4020. This is a step toward greater independence from Qualcomm’s chips. The news comes from a reliable source who revealed the existence of the new chip but didn’t provide details about its specs or release schedule.

This move shows that Apple is continuing its strategy of designing key components in-house. By doing so, the company reduces its reliance on external suppliers and optimizes hardware-software integration to achieve better efficiency.

What the C2 Modem Will Bring

The first modem, the C1, debuted with the iPhone 16e, improving battery life and providing a stable connection. Apple claims that the C1 is the most efficient modem ever used in an iPhone, helping the iPhone 16e achieve the best battery life for a 6.1-inch model.

However, the C1 might not compete in terms of speed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75, which is used in higher-end iPhone 16 models. Apple is addressing this gap with the C2, which is expected to improve both network performance and energy efficiency. While the C1 was just the beginning, the C2 could represent a major leap forward, improving connection stability, speed, and energy consumption.

The release timeline for the new modem is not yet clear, but given Apple’s development cycles, the C2 may debut with the iPhone 17 in 2026, or it could be part of an even later model. Johny Srouji, Apple’s chip division leader, mentioned that the C1 was just a starting point, suggesting that the C2 will be a significant advancement in Apple’s mobile connectivity.