Apple internal code, accidentally included in a macOS developer kit, has revealed key details about the company’s upcoming iPhones, shedding light on new in-house cellular modems and improvements for the budget-friendly model.
The leak indicates that Apple’s next-generation “iPhone 17e,” expected in spring 2026, will feature the company’s first-generation “C1” or “C1X” cellular baseband. This represents a significant step in Apple long-term plan to replace Qualcomm components with its own modem technology.
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Interestingly, the iPhone 17e is expected to omit Apple “N1” wireless co-processor, which manages ultra-low-power communication protocols. Analysts suggest that this omission could result in the device lacking support for the Thread smart home networking standard, even as it benefits from Apple-designed cellular capabilities.
Apple’s rumored iPhone 17e will add magnetic wireless charging, likely MagSafe at 20-25W, fixing the iPhone 16e’s Qi-only 7.5W limit. It’s expected to use the second-generation C1X modem that first appeared in iPhone Air, launch in spring 2026, and be an incremental update… pic.twitter.com/dzwYJ7VPBW
— Marius Fanu (@mariusfanu) December 16, 2025
The internal code also hints at a resolution to a notable user complaint. The iPhone 17e is expected to gain full MagSafe support, addressing limitations of the previous iPhone 16e, which supported standard Qi wireless charging but lacked compatibility with Apple’s magnetic MagSafe ecosystem for charging and accessories. This improvement could make the entry-level iPhone more appealing to consumers.
For the higher-end iPhone 18 Pro models, the leaked code suggests that Apple is still finalizing internal configurations. References to “C1X” and “C2” basebands imply that development decisions are ongoing, while the Pro models are slated to retain the N1 wireless chip, ensuring continued support for ultra-low-power communications and smart home networking.
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Overall, these findings from Apple’s internal code indicate a strategic shift toward proprietary components while addressing consumer feedback on charging and accessory compatibility. The iPhone 17e could become a more competitive and feature-rich option for entry-level buyers when it launches next year.