Last year, Apple debuted its first-ever 5G modem inside the budget iPhone 16e. The brand followed it with the upgraded C1X 5G modem with the iPhone Air. Now, it looks like the Cupertino giant is all set to take the next leap forward with the custom Apple C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro.
iPhone 18 Pro to unlock satellite communication with Apple C2 chip
As per Weibo tipster Fixed Focus Digital, the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will feature the third-generation in-house 5G modem, the Apple C2. While the C1 and C1X achieved basic cellular capabilities, the C2 modem will reportedly become the first flagship-grade in-house network solution for Apple iPhones.
The biggest highlight with C2 will be the full spectrum support of NR-NTN capabilities. This essentially means that the iPhone 18 Pro will become the first-ever Apple phone to support global satellite network communications.
Since the iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has equipped its smartphones with satellite connectivity, they were marketed and reserved for only emergencies. However, with NR-NTR support, iPhone 18 Pro will essentially be able to connect to low-orbiting satellites for 24/7 satellite connectivity, no matter the situation.
We saw a glimpse of this working tech in CES 2026, where the Infinix Note 60 series featured global satellite communication. However, the brand is yet to launch the phones and we are yet to see how it translates to actual scenarios.
Now, with Apple also considering supercharging the iPhone 18 Pro with continuous satellite connectivity, the C2 modem could be a major talking point for the brand in September 2026. This falls in line with a previous Apple C2 5G modem rumour from Mark Gurman, who claimed that for Apple to truly replace Qualcomm as a 5G modem vendor, the brand will need to build an equally capable offering. It looks like Apple is doing exactly that.
That said, at the time of writing, we do not know the exact specifications of the C2 5G modem. Also, Apple has not explicitly confirmed anything. So, take this development with a pinch of salt. However, as always, with Apple leading the charge, global satellite communication could become the industry standard in the coming years.
