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Apple Said to Be Working on Upgraded C1 Modem with mmWave Support for Next iPhone

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Apple is reportedly working on a refreshed version of its proprietary C1 modem, addressing a key functionality missing from the current iteration. The original C1 modem, which was first introduced with the iPhone 16e last month, marked a significant step for Apple, as it reduced the company’s reliance on Qualcomm for cellular modem technology. While the C1 modem represents an important advancement, the iPhone 16e, powered by this modem, lacks mmWave support, a feature that allows for faster 5G speeds in certain conditions. However, Apple is now said to be developing a new version of the modem that will include mmWave functionality, potentially offering significant improvements.

According to TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the current C1 modem in the iPhone 16e utilizes a 4nm or 5nm baseband, 7nm low-frequency transceivers, 7nm transreceivers for immediate frequency, and a 55nm Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). This setup supports only sub-6GHz 5G, which is sufficient for most uses but falls short in areas where mmWave support is critical. While Apple claims the C1 modem is the “most power-efficient modem ever,” the lack of mmWave support has been a limiting factor, especially when it comes to download and upload speeds. To address this, Apple is now focused on developing a refreshed version that can handle mmWave frequencies, which could significantly enhance the performance of future iPhones.

The upcoming C1 modem refresh is expected to include new transreceivers and front-end components based on a 28nm node to support mmWave. While this upgrade is technically feasible, Kuo notes that balancing high-performance capabilities with power efficiency remains a challenge. The addition of mmWave support isn’t particularly complex from a technical standpoint, but it requires careful tuning to ensure that power consumption doesn’t increase significantly. Apple will likely focus on maintaining its reputation for power efficiency while delivering faster 5G speeds, particularly in regions where mmWave 5G is available.

While the refreshed C1 modem is still under development, its inclusion of mmWave support is expected to bring a considerable boost to the iPhone’s 5G capabilities, especially in urban areas where mmWave infrastructure is more common. This move further solidifies Apple’s push to reduce its dependency on third-party suppliers like Qualcomm and establish a more independent approach to modem technology. As 5G networks continue to expand and evolve, Apple’s ongoing advancements in this area will play a crucial role in shaping the performance and competitiveness of its future devices.

iOS 18.4 Beta 2 Rolls Out with Apple Intelligence-Powered Review Summaries in the App Store

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Apple has rolled out the iOS 18.4 Beta 2 update for iPhone developers and testers, introducing several new AI-driven features. One of the most notable additions is the Review Summaries feature in the App Store, which leverages Apple Intelligence to provide users with concise summaries of app and game reviews. This update aims to enhance the user experience by offering a quicker way to gauge the overall reception of an app without manually sifting through countless user reviews. Additionally, the App Store now supports natural language search queries, making it easier for users to find the apps they need.

The Review Summaries feature is designed to streamline app discovery by compiling key insights from individual user reviews. Rather than displaying an overwhelming number of reviews, the AI tool extracts relevant highlights and presents a short, informative summary. This enhancement is expected to save users time and offer a clearer picture of an app’s strengths and weaknesses at a glance. The feature will be available on all iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, ensuring a wide rollout across compatible devices.

Apple has emphasized that the summaries are generated using large language models (LLMs), which analyze user feedback to identify recurring themes and noteworthy details. However, the company has not disclosed which specific AI models power the feature. To maintain transparency, each AI-generated summary will include a disclaimer stating, “Automatically summarised from reviews.” This ensures users are aware that the content has been processed and compiled using artificial intelligence rather than human curation.

The inclusion of AI-powered review summaries aligns with Apple’s broader efforts to integrate intelligent features into its ecosystem. By refining how users interact with the App Store, Apple aims to improve app discovery and decision-making. As Apple Intelligence continues to evolve, future updates may bring additional enhancements that leverage AI to simplify various aspects of the iOS experience.

Gemini for iOS Receives Update with Six New Lockscreen Widgets and Control Centre Integration

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Gemini for iOS has received a major update that brings several new lockscreen widgets, enhancing user accessibility and convenience. The update, rolled out on Monday with Gemini for iOS version 1.2025.0762303, introduces six new widgets designed to provide quicker access to specific features within the app. With these additions, iPhone users can now interact with the Gemini app directly from their lockscreen without needing to unlock their devices. This update is part of Google’s ongoing effort to improve the functionality and usability of its AI-powered app, providing a more seamless experience for users.

The new lockscreen widgets are diverse, offering a range of features tailored to different needs. One of the most useful additions is the “Type Prompt” widget, which allows users to type a query directly from the lockscreen and receive a response without unlocking the phone. Another exciting widget is “Talk Live,” which opens Gemini Live for real-time, two-way conversations with the AI assistant. This is the quickest way to access Gemini Live, eliminating the need for a multi-step process. Additionally, the “Open Mic” widget enables users to use voice commands by simply opening the microphone, making it easier to interact with the app hands-free.

The other two widgets, “Use Camera” and “Share Image,” are particularly helpful for users looking to interact with visual content. The “Use Camera” widget opens the camera instantly, allowing users to capture an image and send it to Gemini for analysis. Similarly, the “Share Image” and “Share File” widgets allow users to quickly share images or files with Gemini and ask related queries, expanding the app’s utility in various contexts. Notably, all six widgets can also be set as corner buttons on the iPhone’s lockscreen, further enhancing their accessibility.

Alongside the lockscreen widget update, Google also introduced new Gemini Live features at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona. These new capabilities were showcased to demonstrate how the app is evolving, with real-time interaction and advanced functionality becoming integral parts of the Gemini experience. With these updates, Gemini continues to solidify its position as a powerful and convenient AI tool, now with even more ways for users to interact and access its features on the go.