As Apple prepares for its September 9, 2025, event, expected to unveil the next-generation iPhone series including the iPhone 17 Air, Ookla analyzed the iPhone 16e—the first Apple device powered by the C1 modem—and measured its 5G performance in comparison with the iPhone 16.
Apple C1 Modem Overview
In February 2025, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e with its first in-house C1 modem. Sharing the 6.1″ design of the iPhone 16, it supports direct performance comparisons. 5G performance was examined worldwide using Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data from Q2–Q3 2025.
Technical Notes
- The iPhone 16 uses up to 6CA downlink aggregation and uplink MIMO; the C1 modem supports 3x downlink aggregation without uplink MIMO.
- The C1 modem is optimized for robust low-band coverage, enhancing performance for users at network edges or in congested areas.
- Apple is reportedly developing proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipsets, which may improve wireless performance and battery efficiency in future devices.
Key Performance Takeaways
Median Download Speeds
- iPhone 16 outperformed the 16e in 12 of 21 advanced 5G markets, including Saudi Arabia, China, India, and the U.S.
- Largest difference: Saudi Arabia — iPhone 16 median download 353.49 Mbps vs 16e’s 295.01 Mbps.
- In networks with limited carrier aggregation or lower coverage, the 16e performed comparably or better.
10th Percentile Download Speeds
- The 16e exceeded iPhone 16 in 15 of 21 markets, benefiting users at cell edges or during network congestion.
- This demonstrates the C1 modem’s consistency and low-band optimization.
Upload Speeds
- iPhone 16e led median upload speeds in 15 of 21 markets.
- Example: Canada — 16e median upload 23.91 Mbps vs iPhone 16’s 11.57 Mbps.
- In the U.S., AT&T and Verizon favored 16e for uploads, while T-Mobile showed nearly equal performance.
Regional Insights
India
In India, the Apple C1 modem shows competitive performance across major networks, with the Qualcomm modem slightly ahead in peak speeds. Median and 90th percentile data highlight where each modem excels, reflecting network setups and aggregation capabilities.
- Vi India: Median download 110.87 Mbps (C1) vs 112.13 Mbps (Qualcomm); 90th percentile 242.19 Mbps vs 271.09 Mbps. C1 performs steadily at network edges.
- Airtel: Median download 182.29 Mbps vs 183.28 Mbps; 90th percentile 368.23 Mbps vs 392.91 Mbps. Differences are minimal.
- Jio: Median download 213.26 Mbps vs 225.54 Mbps; 90th percentile 494.40 Mbps vs 501.53 Mbps. Advanced multi-band 5G SA, massive MIMO, and carrier aggregation benefit the Qualcomm modem.
Overall, the C1 modem provides consistent coverage and reliability, particularly in congested areas, while the Qualcomm modem leads in peak performance scenarios.
United States
- iPhone 16 leads in median download speeds on T-Mobile and Verizon due to higher carrier aggregation (4CA vs 3x on C1).
- Median upload speeds favor 16e on AT&T and Verizon; T-Mobile shows near parity.
- At the 10th percentile, 16e consistently leads across all carriers, highlighting edge and congested-area performance.
Saudi Arabia
- iPhone 16 maintains higher median download speeds on stc and Zain due to advanced 5G networks and higher carrier aggregation.
- At the 90th percentile, iPhone 16 is over 200 Mbps faster than 16e.
- Upload speeds remain superior for 16e across all operators.
Japan
- iPhone 16e represents 11.3% of iPhone 16 series samples.
- Leads in median download and upload speeds on most operators, reflecting demand for compact, lower-cost devices.
- 10th percentile speeds favor 16e, especially on SoftBank and Rakuten.
France
- Median download speeds are largely similar, except on Free where 16e lagged by 11%.
- iPhone 16e outperforms at the 10th percentile on all operators except SFR.
- iPhone 16 leads 90th percentile download speeds on three of four networks due to more advanced carrier aggregation.
Outlook
According to Ookla, the iPhone 16e with the C1 modem shows strong upload performance and consistency at the 10th percentile, while the iPhone 16 with Qualcomm modem leads in median download speeds on advanced 5G networks. Global adoption varies, with Japan recording the highest uptake due to subsidies, price sensitivity, and preference for compact devices.
Apple’s approach to diversified modem use, along with upcoming Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipsets, is expected to improve network performance and battery efficiency, and Ookla notes it will continue tracking the C1 modem and new Wi-Fi chipset’s impact on overall network performance.