Apple Watch with a new mobile phone chip, first work on the C2 started

After Apple has finally managed to integrate a self-developed 5G mobile radio modem, the C1, into its own product, it should continue as quickly as possible with the naveling from the previous radio technology supplier Qualcomm: The Apple Watch is also supposed to receive a new transmission and receiving part . This reports the US-IT message page The Information from the Silicon Valley.

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From LTE to 5G Redcap

According to the report, a first step is not (yet) concerned with installing Apple technology. Instead, the iPhone group wants to first Switch to the Taiwanese component group Mediatek. Accordingly, Qualcomm should fly from the Apple Watch Ultra this year – which then “real” third generation, after Apple added only a new color in 2024. Corresponding rumors were already in December, now they are becoming more specific.

Apple currently only uses 4G-LTE radio modems in all Apple watch models, the watches do not master 5G. Thanks to Mediatek, the so -called in the Ultra 5G Redcap service are supported, a 5G subset optimized for wearables and IoT devices. In addition, Ultra 3 should also support satellite radio – in the form of the possibility of sending text messages, as you already know from the iPhone. It is still unclear whether Apple is also planning a radio modem for the Apple Watch – it should take a few more years. In addition to Qualcomm, MediaTek is one of the few companies that can produce 5G modem chips.

How it goes on with the C1

The information also lists some news about the C1. In 2026 there will already be a “C2” that supports the MMWave spectrum for the first time, which Apple already uses with Qualcomm modems in US variants of the iPhone. MMWAVE offers an even higher throughput rate, but is still rarely used in Europe. The “C2” should wear the code name “Ganymeded” and, according to the information, also end up in at least one iPhone. After that, the “C3” is already planned, which could appear from 2027 and bears the code name “Prometheus”.

This should include all features of Qualcomm competition and even exceed them – with MMWave, but also other features. Appe had worked on its own radio modems for at least seven years and is said to have invested billions. According to older rumors, the C2 should be possible from 2026 download measurements of up to 6 GBPs if the base station takes part. Working on the chip should have started long agosupposedly the first internal tests are already underway.