Apple’s Upcoming C2 In-House 5G Modem to Utilize Older TSMC Manufacturing Process Next Year Unlike A20 & A20 Pro

The Transition to Apple’s C2 5G Modem

Apple is poised to make a significant shift with the iPhone 17 series, which may be the last to utilize Qualcomm’s 5G modems. As Apple gears up for the launch of its iPhone 18 models, it is preparing to integrate a proprietary C2 baseband chip, marking a pivotal change in their technology strategy. Development of this in-house solution reportedly commenced soon after the iPhone 16e’s announcement, with its debut anticipated in 2026.

Manufacturing Insights on the C2 5G Modem

While there have been discussions about Apple’s procurement of TSMC’s initial 2nm supply, reports indicate that the C2 5G modem will actually be manufactured using TSMC’s 4nm ‘N4′ process. This revelation suggests that Apple sees little value in utilizing the latest 2nm technology for its baseband chips, a point that raises questions about their technological prioritization.

The Strategic Decision Behind Using Older Technology

According to analysts, including Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities, the motivation for Apple to invest in newer lithography is quite low. He points out that advanced modems do not consume significant power compared to other smartphone components, and thus, upgrading to cutting-edge lithography may not yield substantial returns in terms of performance.

Potential Benefits of the C2 Chip

Despite these considerations, the upcoming C2 is expected to support both mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G networks. This capability marks a notable advantage over its predecessors, which could lead to significant performance enhancements in terms of speed and connectivity.

Looking Ahead to the iPhone 18 Series

As anticipation builds around the iPhone 18 lineup, which may even include a foldable version, it will be fascinating to observe how Apple leverages the advancements from the C2 chip. The N4 process is expected to deliver a 5% improvement in performance and a 6% increase in transistor density compared to the N5 node, potentially raising the standard for smartphone technologies.

For more details, visit Commercial Times.

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