Inside Apple’s Secret Lab: The Making of the C1 Modem

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What’s up, Tech Squad? I’ve got an exclusive tour of Apple’s testing labs while the iPhone 16E is sneaking in a major modem shift while the company. They’re also doubling down on AI for the Vision Pro. Oh, and if you were holding out hope that the Humane AI Pin would magically become useful, I’ve got bad news. Let’s get into it.

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Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Apple’s C1 Modem Testing Labs

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, there’s one underappreciated hero—the modem. It’s the silent workhorse that keeps you connected whether you’re in the city or lost in the woods. And now, Apple has decided to take full control of this crucial component with the introduction of the C1, its first in-house modem chip, debuting in the iPhone 16E.

What’s the Big Deal?

For years, Apple relied on Qualcomm for its modem chips, but the C1 marks the beginning of a new era. This custom-designed chip is engineered to improve connectivity, optimize power efficiency, and tightly integrate with the A18 processor. The result? A more responsive, longer-lasting iPhone experience—boasting up to 26 hours of video playback, the best ever for a 6.1-inch iPhone.

Behind the Scenes at Apple’s Lab

I got an exclusive look inside Apple’s modem testing labs, where engineers rigorously push the C1 to its limits. From extreme temperature simulations to network stress tests mimicking congested stadiums or weak rural signals, Apple ensures its modem can handle it all.

The C1 modem was also tested with over 180 carriers in 55 countries, making sure it delivers reliable connectivity worldwide. And Apple being Apple, they didn’t stop at just cellular performance—the C1 also enhances satellite features like Emergency SOS and Messages via Satellite.

What’s the Catch?

The first-gen C1 does have one noticeable limitation: no support for millimeter-wave 5G, which is a Qualcomm specialty. But Apple is known for its phased rollouts, so expect future iterations like C2 and C3 to fill in the gaps.

Why This Matters

Apple is playing the long game here. By developing its own modem, it not only cuts licensing fees but also strengthens its ecosystem. The iPhone 16E is just the beginning—this technology could soon power iPads, Macs, and beyond, making Apple’s ecosystem even more seamless.

Bottom line: The C1 might not make flashy headlines, but it’s a game-changer in Apple’s strategy. Qualcomm, take note.

Apple Brings AI to Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4

Apple has just dropped the first beta of visionOS 2.4, marking a significant step for the Vision Pro. This update is a game-changer because it finally introduces Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI-driven features, to its mixed-reality headset.

What’s New?

With visionOS 2.4, Vision Pro users get access to Writing Tools for text generation and summarization, Genmoji for custom emoji, an Image Playground app for AI-generated art, and smart replies for quick messaging. Siri also gets a boost with ChatGPT integration, while Priority Notifications and Notification Summaries help keep distractions in check.

The Spatial Gallery and Vision Pro App

Apple is also launching the Spatial Gallery, a new app showcasing curated spatial content from Cirque du Soleil, Red Bull, Porsche, and more. Meanwhile, a new Vision Pro app for iPhone allows users to discover content, manage settings, and even set up Guest Mode remotely—making it easier than ever to let friends and family try the headset.

Guest Mode Gets Smarter

Guest Mode now lets an iPhone handle the setup, while AirPlay allows the Vision Pro owner to guide the guest’s experience. Plus, guest profiles, including eye and hand tracking data, are saved for 30 days, making repeat sessions smoother.

Why It Matters

The Vision Pro has been a tech marvel since launch, but the lack of Apple Intelligence was a noticeable gap. With visionOS 2.4, Apple is doubling down on making its headset more powerful, intuitive, and AI-driven. Expect an even smarter, more immersive Vision Pro experience in the months ahead.

The Humane AI Pin’s Swift and Brutal End

Five days from now, the Humane AI Pin will be able to tell you how much battery it has left, and… that’s about it. Not that it really matters, because almost no one bought one. If you did, well, that’s the bad news: Humane is shutting down the AI Pin just a year after it started shipping and has sold some of its tech to HP.

A Spectacular Crash

HP picked up Humane’s remnants for $116 million, a fraction of the $230 million it raised since 2018. Meanwhile, the company’s founders, Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, have gone from Apple rockstars to working on AI for HP’s printers and conference room gadgets. As for Pin owners? They’re left with a $699 paperweight, plus a mandatory $24 monthly service fee that soon won’t mean anything.

What Went Wrong?

Humane made all the classic startup mistakes: overpromising, underdelivering, and hyping itself into a corner. The AI Pin was pitched as the future of computing, but it launched unfinished, missing basic features like a timer or alarm. Worse, it overheated quickly, had abysmal battery life, and cost way too much for what little it could do. Early testers warned that it wasn’t ready, but Humane launched anyway.

And let’s not forget the disastrous TED talk, where Chaudhri mysteriously demoed a translation feature that no one asked for and answered a phone call by doing… nothing. Knowing what we know now, it’s hard not to suspect that the demo was staged.

The AI Hype Bubble

Humane bet big on AI technology that’s still not fully capable. While companies like OpenAI are only now starting to roll out agentic AI features that could make a device like this feasible, Humane tried to force a future that wasn’t ready. Even worse? The company might have set back the entire AI gadget industry.

There was a kernel of truth in Humane’s vision: AI-driven, screen-free devices could be the future. But they’re more likely to be smart glasses, not a $700 chest-mounted brooch. Ultimately, the AI Pin will be remembered as one of tech’s greatest failures, right alongside Quibi and the Fire Phone.