Upcoming Tech for iPhone 17: Anticipated Additions Include 5G Modem, Wi-Fi 7, and Advances in Bluetooth Latest Versions

Apple has quietly made a significant move with the launch of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, which, according to Ookla, performs similarly to the iPhone 16 with the Qualcomm modem in the vast majority of markets. This marks the beginning of Apple's strategy for introducing new technology, a strategy that has been evident in their transition from PowerPC to M-series laptops.

The focus of the iPhone 17 Air's modem part is said to be on sub-6GHz, promising download speeds up to 4Gb/s and better battery life. If the iPhone 17 adopts Apple's new technology, it may signal a departure from the annual ritual of iPhone releases. The 5G modem solution for the iPhone 17 Air is presumably Apple's own upgraded home-brewed C1X modem, an improved version of the C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e, while other iPhone 17 models continue to use Qualcomm modems.

The home mesh network is expected to benefit from multi-link operation, wider 320MHz channels, and lower latency. Apple is expected to address inefficiencies in the current system, such as chattier radios, flaky handoffs, and power spikes, with the introduction of this new modem.

Silicon-anode batteries are expected to provide higher energy density for noticeable improvements in the iPhone 17. This could potentially lead to longer battery life, a feature that Apple users have been eagerly anticipating.

The iPhone 17 series may also introduce Apple Intelligence, a marketing term for controlling the layers that AI leans on most: radios, battery, and thermal system. On the Bluetooth side, the groundwork is set for improvements like LE Audio, broadcast-style sharing, and more reliable AirPods behavior.

The iPhone 17 series could see its first price hike in 7 years, according to analysts. The absence of mmWave in the iPhone 17 Air means that postcard-perfect speed tests in a few cities will remain a feature of certain Android flagships. However, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be the headline act of Apple's Sept 9 event, but it may disappoint some buyers due to its focus on sub-6GHz and lack of mmWave.

The main event is expected to showcase numbers like 4Gb/s and new cooling, as well as visuals like drone shots and self-pairing AirPods. Apple is also expected to unveil a homegrown 5G modem for the iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 series may mark a significant step in Apple's long-term strategy, with the company aiming to take more control over its technology.

However, the real test will be whether the pipes, battery, and thermal system of the iPhone 17 will all operate using Apple's new technology. If successful, this could pave the way for a more integrated and efficient iPhone in the future. Stay tuned for more updates from Apple's upcoming launch event.

Upcoming Tech for iPhone 17: Anticipated Additions Include 5G Modem, Wi-Fi 7, and Advances in Bluetooth Latest Versions