Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon has drawn a bold line between the company’s latest modem and Apple’s first attempt at building its own.
In an interview on Tuesday, Amon said Qualcomm’s new X85 modem creates a “huge delta” in performance compared to Apple’s C1, which was quietly introduced with the iPhone 16e last month.
Qualcomm, a dominant player in smartphone connectivity, has supplied Apple with modems for years. However, in 2019, Apple acquired Intel’s modem business to start developing its own chips in-house.
The release of the C1 marks Apple’s first move into this space, but according to Amon, the gap between the two companies’ technology is significant.
Qualcomm’s AI Advantage
The X85, Qualcomm’s latest high-end modem, is the first to heavily integrate AI to improve signal handling, particularly in weak coverage areas. Amon believes this gives Android devices a major edge over iPhones using Apple’s in-house modem.
“What that will do is set a huge delta between the performance of premium Android devices and iOS devices when you compare what Qualcomm can do versus what Apple is doing,” Amon said.
While Apple’s C1 debuted in the iPhone 16e, a budget mode, several reports indicate the company is working on more advanced modems for its flagship devices.
Apple’s Transition Away From Qualcomm
Apple’s long-term goal is to break away from Qualcomm entirely. Amon reiterated that Qualcomm expects to stop supplying Apple with modems by 2027, further signaling Apple’s commitment to self-sufficiency in hardware.
However, Amon suggested that Apple will have a tough road ahead, particularly as modems become increasingly important in the AI era.
“If modem is relevant, there’s always a place for Qualcomm technology,” he said, adding that the growing role of AI will make modem performance a crucial factor in consumer preference.
As Apple thumbs through ways to polish its cellular technology further, Qualcomm is doubling down on innovation, making it clear that the competition in smartphone connectivity is far from over.
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