When Apple launched its iPhone 16e last month, it included a brand new component: the C1 modem. But more recent devices like the M3 iPad Air and A16 iPad havent included it. Heres where the C1 will appear next, and which products are not expected to get it.Why the C1 modem was worth the waitFor many years, Apple has been working to develop its own cellular modem tech. Absent that tech being ready, the company has had to rely on Qualcomm to supply 5G modems for its devices.While Qualcomms modems are considered top-tier, the company and Apple havent always gotten along very well. In part, it seems, because of how much Qualcomm charges for its components.Cost savings were one reason for Apple to develop its own 5G modem. Another key one is that Apple often prefers to control the full technology stack in its products. This enables increased hardware-software integrations that lead to better overall user experiences.That seems true with Apples new C1 modem, which provides two advantages already:Better battery life thanks to efficiency improvementsMore responsive data in congested conditionsBut despite the benefits of the C1, Apple isnt giving the new modem to all of its products just yet.The new M3 iPad Air and A16 iPad dont include it. Nor the M4 MacBook Air, sadly, since cellular Macs arent a thing yet.Several products this fall are expected to bypass the C1 too, sticking with Qualcomms 5G modem. But one flagship product will be the next to include C1.Where Apples C1 will and wont show up nextPer various reports, Apples next product featuring the C1 modem will be its ultra-thin flagship iPhone 17 Air.This new iPhone will launch in the fall as a replacement for the Plus model in Apples lineup. It will emphasize form over function, with a radically thin design, single rear camera, and yes, the C1 modem.One likely reason Apples bringing C1 to the iPhone 17 Air is for its efficiency improvements. Those will undoubtedly be important for a model that has less physical space for battery.What about the rest of Apples fall lineup?Reporting indicates the iPhone 17 Air is the only new model that will get the C1.The standard iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max (or should I say 17 Ultra?) will all use Qualcomms modem.We dont know for sure why Apple is slowly integrating C1 into its devices. It could be due to existing purchase commitments with Qualcomm, hedging against any possible connectivity issues that C1 presents, or just risk management overall.In any case, if you want to get Apples cutting edge C1, youll need to buy the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 16e. Or wait until next year, when the full iPhone 18 lineup is expected to adopt a new C2 modem.Would you prefer your next iPhone to have a C1 or Qualcomm modem? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel