The release of the iPhone 16e has stirred significant interest as it marks the entry of Apple's in-house 5G modem, the C1. Although the new iPhone lacks mmWave 5G support, its performance metrics have proven noteworthy, particularly for users at the lower end of the speed spectrum.
According to a recent report by Ookla, the iPhone 16e outshines its more expensive counterpart, the iPhone 16, in several testing parameters. From March 1st through March 12th, 2025, Ookla conducted a detailed analysis of both devices, evaluating their network performance under various conditions across the major U.S. carriers.
While high-performing users utilizing the iPhone 16 reported average download speeds reaching approximately 756 Mbps—thanks mainly to its mmWave capabilities—the iPhone 16e was found to reach a peak of 560 Mbps. For the lower 10th percentile users, however, the iPhone 16e delivered an average mobile data speed of around 217.64 Mbps, which edged out the iPhone 16’s performance of 210.55 Mbps.
Interestingly, the performance statistics varied significantly by carrier. The iPhone 16e managed to achieve higher median download speeds than the iPhone 16 on AT&T and Verizon networks. An analysis indicated that the iPhone 16e users on these networks saw superior performance, while the T-Mobile network posed challenges for the new device. Users of the iPhone 16e on T-Mobile experienced a significant drop, averaging speeds that were up to 24% slower than those by their iPhone 16 counterparts.
Ookla attributes the iPhone 16e's slower performance on T-Mobile to the carrier's advanced 5G standalone network, which the C1 modem does not optimally support. This underscores the limitations of Apple's first-generation modem compared to Qualcomm's offering, which boasts superior capabilities across various frequency bands, including mmWave and a more sophisticated architecture.
Despite these challenges, the iPhone 16e demonstrated commendable performance in upload speeds, averaging higher rates across all three major networks compared to the iPhone 16. This is a significant improvement that highlights Apple's engineering advancements.
As the first iPhone to feature an in-house modem, the C1, the iPhone 16e marks a pivotal moment in Apple's journey towards complete control over its hardware. Reports suggest that Apple plans to enhance its modem technology further, with rumors of a second-generation modem slated for release alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026.
The transition from relying heavily on Qualcomm’s modems to developing its own has profound implications for Apple as it seeks to improve its product performance and battery efficiency. Apple claims that the C1 is the most power-efficient modem it has ever utilized, allowing the iPhone 16e to offer longer battery life—up to 26 hours during video playback—compared to the iPhone 16's 22 hours. This feature is particularly appealing to consumers who heavily rely on their devices throughout the day.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 16e may not surpass the iPhone 16 in peak performance scenarios, its capability to deliver better experiences for the lower-end users and the promise of future advancements positions Apple favorably in the competitive smartphone market. With its initial foray into designing modems, the company is setting the stage for an exciting future driven by innovative in-house technology.
