Ookla, the company behind the popular Internet SpeedTest, has conductive extensive research on the performance of Apple’s C1 modem. By comparing the cellular performance of the the iPhone 16e with its C1 modem against the iPhone 16 which uses the Qualcomm modem, Ookla was able to draw some interesting conclusions about Apple’s first foray into making its own modem.
The new report by Ookla takes a deep dive into Apple’s C1 modem performance.
Apple has, for many years, wanted to maintain control over its supply chain and become a vertically integrated technology company. This enables it to control every element of the user experience. It’s why Apple invested in creating Apple Silicon as well as security chips and now modems. And it’s why the company is also developing its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. This will enable it to tightly control everything from power management to performance.
So, what did Ookla find in its research?
- The iPhone 16e with the Apple C1 modem performs similarly to the iPhone 16 with the Qualcomm modem in the vast majority of markets it examined.
- The iPhone 16 with Qualcomm modem performs better on more capable mobile networks that have a 5G standalone footprint supporting higher carrier aggregation combinations and uplink MIMO technology.
- The fact that the iPhone 16e performs comparatively, or even ahead in some markets, vs the iPhone 16, indicates that some networks are a bottleneck for Qualcomm’s more advanced modem.
- The C1 is better optimised for robustness and continuity, squeezing out higher throughput when coverage is marginal.
Interestingly, Ookla’s research also indicated which markets the iPhone 16e is most popular. In Australia, 4.4% of iPhone users captured in Ookla’s data use an iPhone 16e.
Ookla found that iPhone 16 download speeds surpass the iPhone 16e in markets that are known for having some of the most advanced mobile networks. Australia has a well-developed 5G network with Optus, Telstra and Vodafone all offering strong coverage. But Opensignal’s recent Global Network Excellence Index ranked Australia in 17th place.
When we look at how that is reflected in Ookla’s data we learn that the iPhone 16e outperforms the iPhone 16 on both upload and download speeds. This suggests, per Ookla’s high level report summary, that some networks are a bottleneck for Qualcomm’s more advanced modem. But as Australian carriers improve their networks, we can expect the gap between Apple and Qualcomm to narrow.
I doubt that many iPhone buyers make their purchasing decision based on what modem chipset their device is using. But this does have implications for potential iPhone buyers. The iPhone 16e will not be the first device Apple releases with its bespoke modem. It would not be a surprise to see the C1 or an improved C2 come to the market this week with the announcement of the iPhone 17. And we’ll likely see these modems in future iPads and even Apple Watches.
If Apple can narrow the performance gap or exceed Qualcomm globally, it will gain an advantage over competitors that rely on Qualcomm. And in a tight smartphone market, every little bit makes a difference.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.