Apple just released their first in-house modem chip in the iPhone 16e, replacing Qualcomm's.
Resolves YES if the iPhone model completely transitions away from Qualcomm modems in the USA. Resolves NO if the iPhone model dual-sources modem components from Qualcomm at random or for certain carriers in the USA, such as Apple A9's Samsung/TSMC dual fab, or Samsung's Snapdragon/Exynos split. Resolves NO if the iPhone model is split and sold as two separate models with the only significant differentiator being the modem and downstream features such as battery life, frequency/band support, etc. Resolves N/A if the iPhone model is determined to have not released (after applying any renaming) for a certain generation.
Resolution will be based on my interpretation only where necessary, and otherwise via official Apple product specifications or reliable teardown reports from iFixit following the iPhone launch event. Resolution timeline will be extended as necessary.
Sources:
Apple's first custom modem: https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/shifting-away-from-qualcomm-apple-reveals-1st-custom-designed-modem-chip-125021901402_1.html
Apple's in-house 5g modem
https://9to5mac.com/2025/02/19/apple-reveals-c1-its-first-in-house-5g-iphone-modem-replacing-qualcomm/
Update 2025-02-19: Important Clarification on N/A Resolution Criteria:
Model Naming: Even if the model name changes (for example, from max to ultra), it will be treated as the same phone model if it retains similar differentiators (such as being the larger variant).
1,000Clarified the wording of the N/A resolution in case a model isn't released to
"Resolves N/A if the iPhone model is determined to have not released (after applying any renaming) for a certain generation."
to clarify that the model name may change from e.g. “max” to “ultra” but as long as the “ultra” phone maintains similar differentiators (bigger) it will be treated as the same phone.