Apple launched its first in-house modem last month: the C1. The new modem comes with a pair of key features outside of already outperforming Qualcomm’s 5G option. But per rumors, Apple’s C-class modems could bring even more product upgrades in the future—including two that are especially huge.
Cellular Macs could finally be happening
I’ve long believed the arrival of Apple’s in-house cellular modems was the Mac’s next best chance to finally get cellular.
It seems Apple may agree.
Mark Gurman reported at Bloomberg shortly before C1’s debut that Apple is “investigating” bringing cellular to the Mac as early as 2026.
With its own modem in the pipeline, Apple is investigating the idea of bringing cellular connectivity to the Mac for the first time. That means users wouldn’t need Wi-Fi to get online. To date, that capability has been reserved for the iPhone, Apple Watch and iPad. But cellular connections are unlikely to come to the Mac before 2026, when Apple is planning a second-generation modem that includes support for faster speeds.
This makes a ton of sense. The iPad has always offered cellular options, and over the years has become a much more capable laptop replacement.
Thanks to the iPad Pro, larger screen sizes, and the much-improved Magic Keyboard, iPads and Macs are closer in substance than they ever have been.
Yet while the iPad continues to benefit from 5G cellular options, Macs are stuck using Wi-Fi and hotspot for connectivity.
It’s taken far too long, but it sounds like cellular Macs may finally become a reality—perhaps as soon as next year’s very exciting MacBook Pro redesign.
5G modems in every iPad and MacBook
It’s likely still years away, but Mark Gurman has also reported on another huge product upgrade that Apple’s C-class modems could enable.
Shortly after C1 debuted, Gurman outlined Apple’s roadmap for its C-class modems.
In addition to detailing plans for C2 and C3 in the next couple years, he ended on this intriguing note:
Apple intends to eventually meld the modem component into the main processor. That should make the electronics more energy-efficient and reduce the cost. I’d expect this in 2028 at the earliest.
This raises a big question: if cellular modems are integrated into the main processor, does that mean the end of upcharges for separate cellular models?
Right now, Apple sells iPad models in two configurations: you can pay more for cellular, and get your iPad without it.
The company does the same thing with the Apple Watch.
Besides the obvious financial component, there’s another drawback to this approach.
If you want a cellular iPad, you have to decide that at the time of purchase. And if, in an effort to save money, you go with the cheaper Wi-Fi-only model, you’d better hope you don’t change your mind and find a need for cellular in the future. Otherwise, you’ll have to splurge for a whole new model.
But by integrating its modems into the main M-class or A-class processors, Apple could support 5G cellular in every single iPad, and hopefully by then, MacBook.
Since Apple makes its own modems, it saves a lot of money over what Qualcomm currently charges for its modems. So the need for an upcharge isn’t as great.
Additionally, it could very well cost Apple more money in the end to create an entirely separate processor without cellular, rather than streamlining to include a single chip with cellular.
Apple’s new C-class modems: wrap-up
Even with its very first C1 modem, Apple has proven that its in-house cellular efforts have reaped several benefits. Not only does the company get to avoid paying hefty Qualcomm royalties, but there are real user experience gains too. And with the upcoming C2 and C3 modems, and beyond, those gains look set to increase tremendously.
Would you buy a cellular Mac? Do you think Apple will indeed make all iPads and MacBooks cellular-capable? Let us know in the comments.
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