Apple has introduced its new C1X network chip in the thin and light iPhone Air last September. The company also added the same modem to the iPhone 17e, which launched earlier this month.
Recently, one user reported that the C1X chip suddenly stopped receiving network signals on an iPhone Air. This incident raised questions about its reliability. However, fresh test results tell a different story.
According to a new report from Ookla, Apple’s C1X chip now delivers real-world performance that matches Qualcomm’s X80 modem. This Qualcomm modem powers many flagship Android phones and Apple’s own iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The C1X chip showed similar download speeds and latency on different networks. It performed well in both ideal and tough conditions. As a result, the report calls the C1X a true performance equaliser rather than a compromise.
Moreover, the iPhone Air even beat the iPhone 17 Pro Max in latency tests. It outperformed the flagship model in 19 out of 22 markets. Experts believe Apple’s tight integration between the modem and processor makes this possible.
Still, the C1X chip has some limitations. For instance, the iPhone 17 Pro Max kept a lead of up to 32 percent in upload speeds. This gap appears because Qualcomm’s X80 supports better uplink carrier aggregation.
Ookla also noted that the new thin and light iPhone Air is gaining strong popularity. It is attracting more buyers than the Plus models. South Korea leads as the biggest market for the iPhone Air. Japan, Sweden, Singapore, Italy, Spain, and the UAE follow closely behind.
Overall, these results suggest that Apple’s first in-house modem has made solid progress. It now stands close to industry leaders in everyday use, even as newer Qualcomm chips prepare to launch soon.