Apple unveiled the C1X 5G chip in its latest iPhone 17e and iPad Air with M4, delivering three key advantages over Qualcomm modems. The new modem offers up to 50 percent faster cellular speeds in the iPad Air and 2x the performance of last year's C1 chip in the iPhone 17e.

Beyond raw speed, the C1X introduces a new 'Limit Precise Location' privacy feature exclusive to Apple-designed modems. This setting reduces location data precision shared with cellular networks, allowing carriers to determine only neighborhood-level locations rather than exact addresses. The feature requires carrier support but represents Apple's latest privacy innovation.

The C1X also delivers significant battery life improvements, using up to 30 percent less power for active cellular users compared to the M3 iPad Air. These efficiency gains extend Apple's modem advantage, addressing one of mobile devices' biggest power drains while maintaining signal quality and user experience.