The iPhone 16e launch last week came with an understated but significant advancement: Apple’s new C1 communications chip. This custom silicon represents years of development, finally replacing the Qualcomm modem that has powered iPhone communications for generations.

For Apple, this marks another crucial step toward complete vertical integration of their hardware stack.

Developing a communications chip for the iPhone was no small achievement. It required extensive research, testing, and regulatory compliance – which explains why Apple has taken their time getting it right. Seeing the C1 chip finally shipping in a real iPhone feels like a significant milestone in Apple’s silicon journey.

However, the real test lies in its performance. Even those not interested in the iPhone 16e will be watching closely to see how well it handles its core function as a cellular device. Apple appears to have made a strategic decision by debuting the C1 in a lower-volume iPhone model, allowing them to gather real-world data and refine the technology before implementing it in the mainstream iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models.

Looking ahead, the C1 chip opens up intriguing possibilities for Apple’s broader ecosystem. Now that they’ve developed their own communications silicon, the natural question becomes: when will we see the C1 make its way into the Mac lineup? With Qualcomm out of the picture, I feel that is much more likely.