While Apple's own modem development process initially progressed cautiously, the situation began to change with the C1X. This second-generation modem, introduced with the iPhone 17 series, offers a significant leap compared to its predecessor. Most recently, the Apple C1X was compared to the Snapdragon X80.
Apple C1X modem speed test
According to data shared by Ookla, the C1X delivers results very close to the Snapdragon X80 in average daily usage scenarios. The download speed measured around 352 Mbps in the US is only 2.6% behind Qualcomm's solution. This indicates that Apple has covered significant ground in a short period.
Furthermore, the C1X gains an advantage in scenarios with increased network density. The modem's ability to detect network congestion and prioritize data allows it to offer approximately 7% higher speeds compared to its rival in such situations. However, the global picture is not entirely balanced.
In markets with advanced or dense 5G infrastructure, such as Taiwan, South Korea, and India, Qualcomm's X80 modem still offers higher average speeds. This is attributed to its multi-band 5G management and broader field test data. On Apple's side, the most striking development is in latency.
The C1X offers lower latency values compared to the X80 in many markets. A few milliseconds of advantage has been achieved, especially in regions like the US, China, and Indonesia. Although this difference may seem small, it is critically important for real-time AI applications and cloud-based services.
Technical limitations, however, still exist. The C1X's lack of mmWave 5G support creates a disadvantage, particularly in markets like the US where this technology is actively used. Therefore, Apple's modem transformation is not yet complete. This indicates that competition will become more balanced in future generations.
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