Apple’s in-house C1 modem has demonstrated impressive 5G download speeds in India, achieving a peak median speed of 213 Mbps, according to recent analysis by Ookla. This data comes ahead of Apple’s much-anticipated September 9, 2025 event, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Air. Ookla compared the C1 modem’s performance in the iPhone 16e to the Qualcomm-powered iPhone 16 to evaluate real-world 5G speed differences across global markets.
Apple C1 Modem Overview
Launched in February 2025 with the iPhone 16e, the C1 modem is Apple’s first proprietary modem chip designed to provide efficient, robust 5G connectivity. While the iPhone 16 supports up to 6 carrier aggregation (CA) and uplink MIMO, the C1 modem currently supports 3x downlink aggregation without uplink MIMO, focusing on optimized low-band coverage to improve network performance in congested or edge areas.
Apple is also reportedly working on proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipsets, which should further enhance wireless performance and battery efficiency in future devices.
Key Performance Highlights
- Median download speeds: The Qualcomm-powered iPhone 16 led in 12 out of 21 advanced 5G markets, including India and the U.S. The biggest gap was in Saudi Arabia, where iPhone 16 median speed hit 353 Mbps vs. 295 Mbps on the iPhone 16e.
- In India, the C1 modem showed competitive speeds across major networks. For example, on Jio’s network, it achieved a median download of 213 Mbps compared to Qualcomm’s 226 Mbps. Airtel showed almost identical speeds for both modems, while Vi’s speeds were lower but close between them.
- 10th percentile speeds: The iPhone 16e’s C1 modem outperformed the Qualcomm modem in 15 of 21 markets, benefiting users at cell edges or in congested areas due to its low-band optimization.
- Upload speeds: The 16e led median upload speeds in 15 out of 21 markets. In Canada, for example, the iPhone 16e’s upload speed doubled the iPhone 16’s.
Regional Performance Insights
- India: The Qualcomm modem generally leads in peak speeds, supported by Jio’s advanced multi-band 5G SA network with massive MIMO and high carrier aggregation. Still, the C1 modem offers consistent and reliable coverage.
- United States: T-Mobile and Verizon networks favor the Qualcomm modem’s higher aggregation, but the C1 modem excels in upload speeds on AT&T and Verizon.
- Japan and France: The iPhone 16e is popular due to subsidy-driven demand for compact, affordable devices and delivers strong median and upload speeds.
Apple’s C1 modem shows promise for consistent, reliable 5G connectivity, especially in challenging network conditions. While Qualcomm’s modem currently edges ahead in peak download speeds on advanced networks, Apple’s approach to integrating its modem alongside upcoming in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips signals a move toward tighter hardware-software integration and potential future efficiency gains.
Ookla will continue to monitor C1 modem performance as Apple rolls out new devices and technology improvements.