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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Apple’s first consumer iPhone with an Apple-designed cellular modem was the iPhone 16e, announced February 18, 2025. Its C1 modem marked Apple’s move from designing other iPhone components to putting its own cellular modem into a shipping product. Apple has since introduced C1X in iPhone Air, but the available evidence does not show that Apple has replaced Qualcomm across its iPhone lineup.
What Apple’s modem launch means
Apple introduced C1 as “the first cellular modem designed by Apple” when it announced iPhone 16e on February 18, 2025. The phone is a consumer product with C1 built in—not a standalone modem for customers to buy. Apple’s technical specifications list C1 and 5G sub-6 GHz support for iPhone 16e. Apple’s iPhone 16e announcement and technical specifications identify the product and modem.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $313.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $298.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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At launch, Apple called C1 the most power-efficient cellular modem ever in an iPhone. That is Apple’s characterization, not an independently established ranking. Apple also cautions that actual speed varies with carrier and site conditions.
How Apple’s modem line has advanced
C1 in iPhone 16e
C1 debuted in the iPhone 16e. Apple lists 5G sub-6 GHz support, but that specification alone does not establish support for every 5G band or technology.
#1 Best Overall
- Vibrant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology. Action mode for smooth, steady, handheld videos.
C1X in iPhone Air
In September 2025, Apple announced iPhone Air with C1X. Apple says C1X is up to twice as fast as C1 and, for the same cellular technologies, uses 30 percent less energy overall. These are manufacturer comparisons, not independent test results. Apple also said C1X is faster than the modem in iPhone 16 Pro for the same cellular technologies. Apple’s iPhone Air announcement provides those claims.
Apple’s Canadian iPhone Air specifications list C1X, sub-6 GHz 5G and 4×4 MIMO. Because that page is for Canada, readers should check specifications for their own region rather than assume every market has identical details.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
What independent testing found against Qualcomm-powered phones
Cellular Insights published a comparison on May 27, 2025, based on tests conducted in late April and early May on T-Mobile’s commercial standalone sub-6 GHz 5G network in New York City. It compared iPhone 16e with a 2025 flagship powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 and a 2024 flagship powered by Snapdragon X75. Across three locations, the Android test devices delivered 34.3% to 35.2% higher download throughput and 81.4% to 91.0% higher upload throughput than iPhone 16e. Cellular Insights’ report describes its method and results.
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The size of the gap depended on conditions: performance was more comparable near cells and the difference widened in poorer signal conditions. The researchers also lacked chipset-level diagnostic information for iOS, unlike Android, and could not directly confirm some iPhone carrier-aggregation capabilities. This is evidence from one network, city and test setup—not a universal ranking of C1 against Qualcomm modems on every carrier.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Does Apple now use its own modem in every iPhone?
The cited Apple announcements establish C1 in iPhone 16e and C1X in iPhone Air. They do not establish the complete modem distribution across every iPhone model and region in 2026. It would be inaccurate to infer from these products alone that Apple has replaced Qualcomm throughout its lineup.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #4
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
What to take from the comparison
- C1 is a shipping product: it arrived in iPhone 16e, not as a modem sold separately.
- C1X is Apple’s next documented step: Apple’s speed and energy figures are company claims with a same-cellular-technologies qualifier.
- Test results have boundaries: the Cellular Insights comparison is useful for its specific T-Mobile New York conditions, but does not predict performance everywhere.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
