Core Viewpoint - Apple has quietly launched its first self-developed mobile baseband chip, C1, which is a significant milestone in its supply chain autonomy, potentially indicating a shift away from Qualcomm [1][3]. Group 1: Development and Strategy - Apple has been focusing on hardware chip autonomy for years, designing its A-series processors for iPhones and M-series for Macs, with the C1 baseband chip being the most developed project [3]. - The development of the C1 chip followed Apple's acquisition of Intel's 5G baseband team for $1 billion in 2019, after years of reliance on Qualcomm due to Intel's underperformance [3][17]. - Apple has chosen a cautious marketing approach for the C1 chip, emphasizing its energy efficiency rather than its performance to avoid undermining its higher-end iPhone models that still use Qualcomm chips [5][7]. Group 2: Performance and Testing - Despite the low-key marketing, the C1 chip reportedly outperforms Qualcomm's existing technology in various aspects, including download speed, upload stability, and connection quality [7]. - Testing results show that the C1 chip achieves similar average download speeds (approximately 450-670 Mbps) compared to Qualcomm's X71 chip, with slightly better upload speeds [7][9]. - The C1 chip's power consumption is 25% lower than that of the Qualcomm X71, with significant reductions in battery usage during video playback and data downloads [9][11]. Group 3: Future Implications - Apple's CEO Tim Cook expressed excitement about the C1 chip's performance and its potential to enhance battery life, indicating a strategic shift towards self-developed communication chips [13]. - Currently, all mid to high-end iPhone models still rely on Qualcomm's mobile data solutions, with a supply agreement in place until 2026 [13][15]. - The successful launch of the C1 chip may lead to the development of a next-generation chip (potentially C2), expected to support millimeter-wave technology and replace Qualcomm entirely after the current contract ends [15][17]. Group 4: Financial Impact - The self-developed baseband chip allows Apple to save $5-6 per iPhone in patent fees, translating to over $1 billion in annual savings [17]. - Once Apple fully transitions to its own baseband technology, it will be able to assert its leadership in the communication chip sector without the need for a subdued marketing approach [17].