Here’s why the C1 chip doesn’t have mmWave 5G, says Kuo - 9to5Mac

Apple's debut into the world of modem design with the C1 chip has been met with a wave of interest, but also a significant question. Notably, the C1 chip lacks support for mmWave 5G, the ultra-fast variant of 5G technology that has been making headlines in the telecommunications industry. This omission has led to speculation and debate among technology experts and Apple users alike, all eager to understand the reasoning behind this design decision. In this article, we will delve into insights provided by respected analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who offers his perspective on why Apple may have chosen to forgo mmWave 5G in the C1 chip.

Apple’s debut into the modem market with the C1 chip marked a significant milestone. However, this bold stride came with a conspicuous absence: the lack of support for the mmWave 5G. This ultra-fast variant of 5G was expected to be a key feature in the new chip, but its absence has raised eyebrows and generated numerous questions within the tech community. Notably, the mmWave 5G technology offers speeds that are up to 10 times faster than the typical 4G LTE networks, which makes its omission all the more surprising.

Several reasons could explain this exclusion, but the most widely accepted theory revolves around the high cost and complexity associated with implementing mmWave 5G technology. Incorporating this technology into a chip requires a significant investment in research and development, which could have driven up the overall cost of the C1 chip. This would invariably affect the retail price of devices using the C1 chip, potentially making them less competitive in the market.

Another perspective suggests that the exclusion of mmWave 5G from the C1 chip could be a strategic decision. Given that mmWave 5G coverage is currently limited to specific urban areas, many users wouldn't necessarily benefit from this technology. By focusing on the sub-6GHz 5G, which offers broader coverage, Apple may have prioritized accessibility and universal usability over top-speed connectivity that is currently accessible to a limited demographic.

mmWave 5G, or millimeter wave, is a specific band of radio frequency (RF) spectrum for 5G networks that promises unprecedented speeds. The mmWave spectrum typically operates at frequencies above 24 gigahertz (GHz) and can theoretically offer data speeds up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). This is significantly faster than the traditional sub-6 GHz spectrum, where most commercial 5G networks currently operate.

However, mmWave also has its drawbacks. For one, its range is very limited — it can only travel a short distance, typically less than a mile. In addition, it doesn’t penetrate buildings and other solid objects well, meaning indoor coverage can be a challenge.

Moreover, deploying mmWave 5G networks is expensive and complex. It requires a high density of antennas and base stations, making it more suitable for densely populated urban areas and specific venues like stadiums or concert halls, rather than rural or suburban areas.

Given these limitations, it's plausible to understand why Apple might have decided to omit mmWave support in its C1 chip. It seems to be a calculated decision based on the current state of the technology and its actual utility for the majority of users.

The absence of mmWave 5G support on the C1 chip has raised questions about the performance of Apple's first-ever modem. Critics argue that this could limit the device's capacity, especially in urban areas where mmWave 5G is more prevalent.

According to Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a telecommunications expert at the University of California, "The lack of mmWave 5G support is a significant omission. While Sub-6GHz 5G, which the C1 chip does support, provides broader coverage, mmWave 5G offers higher data rates. This means that devices equipped with the C1 chip might experience slower download and upload speeds compared to devices that support mmWave 5G."

Despite these concerns, it's worth noting that mmWave 5G is still in its early stages of deployment, with coverage limited to certain regions and environments. Thus, the impact of this omission might not be as significant as it appears.

In sum, the exclusion of mmWave 5G support in Apple's first modem, the C1 chip, has sparked significant discussions among technology enthusiasts and experts. As pointed out by renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this decision was likely due to the high costs, design complexities, and limited global availability of mmWave 5G.

While some may view this as a drawback, it's important to remember that Apple is known for its forward-thinking and meticulous approach to technological advancements. The decision to not support mmWave 5G in the C1 chip, therefore, could be a strategic move in anticipation of more widespread and affordable mmWave technology in the future.

Ultimately, only time will tell whether this decision will prove beneficial for Apple. As the 5G landscape evolves, it will be interesting to see how Apple's strategy and technology adapt in response.

Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/06/heres-why-the-c1-chip-doesnt-have-mmwave-5g-says-kuo/