# **Samsung and Google Should Take Notes: Apple’s C1 Modem Establishes a New Benchmark**
Apple has once again transformed the smartphone market with the introduction of the **iPhone 16e**, a midrange smartphone priced at **$599**. While the device itself is remarkable, the real revolutionary aspect is the **Apple C1 modem**—the company’s inaugural in-house **5G modem**. This advancement represents a crucial step in Apple’s goal for self-sufficiency in hardware and delivers a strong message to Android makers like **Samsung and Google**: it’s time to reconsider their reliance on Qualcomm.
## **What Apple’s C1 Modem Implies for the Market**
For several years, Apple has depended on **Qualcomm** for its 5G modems, paralleling its prior reliance on **Intel** for Mac processors. However, after acquiring **Intel’s modem division for $1 billion in 2019**, Apple has been diligently working on its own modem technology. The **C1 modem**, developed on a **4nm process**, signifies the start of Apple’s shift away from Qualcomm.
While the **iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro** continue to utilize Qualcomm’s **Snapdragon X75 5G modem**, Apple’s long-term aim is unmistakable: **complete autonomy from third-party modem providers**. This strategy reflects Apple’s successful transition from Intel to its proprietary **M-series chips** for Macs, which yielded **enhanced performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness**.
## **Why Samsung and Google Should Stay Alert**
Apple’s choice to create its own modem carries significant weight for Android manufacturers, notably **Samsung and Google**, who still depend on Qualcomm for their high-end devices. If Apple can effectively embed its 5G modem into its ecosystem, **why can’t Samsung and Google pursue a similar path?**
### **1. Savings on Costs and Supply Chain Management**
A major benefit of in-house modems is **financial savings**. Apple currently disburses **billions of dollars** to Qualcomm in licensing fees and modem acquisitions. By developing its own modem, Apple can **reduce expenses and boost profit margins**.
Samsung and Google could **emulate Apple’s approach** by investing in their own modem capabilities. Samsung already produces **Exynos processors**, while Google has been crafting its **Tensor chips**. Should they succeed in creating competitive **in-house modems**, they could **mitigate their dependency on Qualcomm** and **decrease manufacturing expenses**.
### **2. Enhanced Hardware and Software Synergy**
Apple’s close integration of hardware and software is one of its most significant advantages. By designing its own **processors, modems, and operating system**, Apple can optimize performance and **enhance battery life**.
Samsung and Google have faced challenges with achieving this level of synergy. Historically, Samsung’s **Exynos chips** have not kept pace with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors in terms of performance and effectiveness. Concurrently, while Google’s **Tensor chips** are improving, they still rely on **Samsung’s modem technology**.
If Samsung and Google can **create their own modems and enhance their chipsets**, they would be positioned to deliver **more efficient and potent Android devices**.
### **3. Competitive Edge Over Qualcomm**
Qualcomm is a dominant force in the Android industry, supplying modems and processors for most flagship devices. However, Apple’s decision to **move on from Qualcomm** could motivate other manufacturers to consider similar actions.
Should Samsung and Google create **competitive in-house modems**, they could **diminish Qualcomm’s impact** and **secure a strategic advantage**. This would enable them to **distinguish their products** and **deliver exclusive features** not connected to Qualcomm’s development schedule.
## **Challenges Ahead for Samsung and Google**
While Apple’s achievements with the **C1 modem** are encouraging, creating a high-quality 5G modem is **incredibly challenging**. Qualcomm has invested **decades** in refining its modem technology, and Apple itself faced considerable hurdles before finding success.
Samsung has already produced the **Exynos Modem 5400**, utilized in **Google’s Pixel 9 series**. Nonetheless, **Exynos processors** have encountered **performance and efficiency setbacks**, complicating Samsung’s complete shift away from Qualcomm.
On the other hand, Google is still in the early phases of **chip innovation**. While its **Tensor chips** have made strides, they continue to rely on **Samsung’s modem technology**. For Google to rival Apple, it needs to **commit significant resources to modem development** and **enhance its integration of hardware and software**.
## **The Outlook for Android Modems**
Apple’s **C1 modem** demonstrates that **in-house modem development is achievable**. Although Samsung and Google may not yet be prepared to sever ties with Qualcomm, they should take **Apple’s model as a guideline** for the future.
Samsung is already advancing by incorporating **Exynos chips** into a broader range of devices. If it can enhance **Exynos performance**
