Apple has unveiled its first custom-designed modem chip, a move set to reduce the company’s reliance on Qualcomm and reshape the landscape of wireless technology integration in its devices. For years, Apple relied on Qualcomm for modem chips, which other players also use. This shift indicates a new direction for Apple’s hardware strategy. The chip, part of Apple’s new C1 subsystem, debuted in the $599 iPhone 16e. Executives anticipate a rollout across Apple’s product line in the coming years. While this is a significant breakthrough for Apple in establishing itself as an in-house hardware manufacturer, the company downplayed this development...