Apple has been working for many years on developing its own mobile data modem to replace the Qualcomm ones on which it has traditionally relied. The first of these, the C1 chip, was used in the iPhone 16e, and is also expected to be used in the upcoming iPhone 17 Air.
There have so far been mixed messages on how well it compares to Qualcomm’s current chip, and a new study by Ookla provides our most detailed comparison yet …
Ookla’s speed tests
If you’ve ever tested your home or mobile broadband speed, there’s a high chance you’ve done so using Ookla’s Speedtest.net. In addition to displaying the speed to you, the company logs the results of all those tests – together with the devices and networks used – to create a comprehensive picture of the speeds offered by each.
For example, by comparing networks, Ookla was able to see that T-Mobile offered the fastest mobile data, while AT&T was best for broadband.
Comparing the performance achieved by the iPhone 16, which uses Qualcomm’s chip, with the iPhone 16e, which uses Apple’s own C1 chip, the company was see how each modem fared.
A mixed picture had so far emerged
Ookla’s first study, published back in March, showed that the C1 chip beat Qualcomm in a number of key areas. That one showed that the C1 was better in areas of poor mobile coverage, but Qualcomm came out significantly ahead when it came to the areas with the fastest connections.
A subsequent report put Qualcomm further ahead, but the fact that it was paid for by the company clearly raised questions as to the reliability of the data.
Here’s what the latest study says
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