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Open original source ↗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.