Back in February 2025, Apple launched the iPhone 16e with its first-ever in-house network and connectivity modem, the Apple C1. It was followed by the C1X 5G modem with the iPhone Air. Now, it looks like the next generation of the brand's own cellular silicon is about to make a big leap with the iPhone 18 lineup.
iPhone 18 Pro series embraces Apple-made modem completely
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be fitted with the third-generation in-house 5G modem, the Apple C2. While the C1 and the C1X modems were meant to achieve basic cellular capabilities, the C2 modem will reportedly become the first in-house flagship-grade network solution from Apple, capable enough to replace Qualcomm in the Pros.
However, it is not as easy as it seems. For starters, one of the biggest cons of the Apple C1 and C1x, at least in the USA, is the lack of mmWave 5G support. This has made Apple stick with the Snapdragon X80 5G modem with the iPhone 17 series. Moreover, Qualcomm is also ahead when it comes to AI power acceleration and general 5G coverage.
Hence, for the Cupertino brand to create a capable enough modem that surpasses or at least matches what Qualcomm has on offer will be an uphill task. Moreover, for C2 to become "Pro" worthy, it will have to feature the modem-to-antenna solution design which the latest Snapdragon X85 has on offer. This is the same modem which Android OEMs like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme and more either use or will use in their flagships.
So, from a competition standpoint as well, Apple C2 has a lot to prove before it earns its place inside the iPhone 18 Pro series. As for the iPhone 17e and the standard iPhone 18, Gurman's report has no mention of them. This could only mean that Apple will stick to C1x for both phones. It doesn't seem likely that Apple will go the Qualcomm route with them as well.
That said, at the time of writing, nothing has been made official. So, take this new development with a pinch of salt. The iPhone 18 series is expected to arrive sometime in September 2026. So, these rumours are too early to draw conclusive ideas. Also, there is a possibility that Apple could cancel the iPhone Air 2 and the base iPhone 18 launch date is reportedly set for beyond 2027. So, expect a major reshuffle in the lineup as well.
