Apple's C1 modem process technology

Apple's C1 modem process technology:

• Baseband: 4/5nm (both technologies are similar)
• Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx (Transceivers): 7nm
• Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm
• PMIC: 55nm

The C1 refreshed version is under development for mass production next year, aiming to improve power consumption and transmission speed and support for mmWave (including TRx and front-end components, built on a 28nm process). While supporting mmWave isn't particularly challenging, achieving stable performance with low power consumption remains a key hurdle.

Unlike processors/GPUs, baseband chips don't aggressively adopt the latest advanced node because the return on investment isn't high. As a result, it's unlikely that Apple's baseband will shift to a 3nm process next year.

• Advanced nodes don't significantly improve baseband transmission speeds.
• While advanced nodes can improve baseband power efficiency, it's worth pointing out that the baseband is not the most power-consuming component in a mobile phone's wireless system.