Apple’s Next-Gen 5G Modem Expected in iPhone 18 Pro Models

Highlights

• Apple reportedly plans to debut its next-gen 5G modem the C2 chip in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in 2026.
• The C1 chip was introduced in the iPhone 16e and is more power-efficient than Qualcomm’s modems.
• The non-Pro iPhone 18 models might continue with Qualcomm’s modems temporarily.

Apple took a big step this year by introducing its first in-house 5G modem the C1 Chip with the iPhone 16e. However, it seems the company is holding off on bringing its custom modem to flagship iPhones at least until next year.

Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities has backed up recent rumours stating that Apple is already working on a newer version of its modem the C2 Chip for the iPhone 18 Pro series. Here’s what we know so far.

Apple’s 5G Modem Plans for the iPhone 18 Pro

According to 9to5Mac in one of its recent reports, a note to investors seen by their team confirms Pu believes that Apple’s C2 modem will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in 2026. This aligns with an earlier Bloomberg report suggesting that the C2 chip will first appear in higher-end iPhones next year.

Apple’s C1 modem, which is already in the iPhone 16e, combines 4nm baseband technology with a 7nm transceiver. Early lab tests suggest it is more power-efficient than Qualcomm’s current 5G modems.

Pu also mentioned that Apple hopes to use the C1 chip in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air later this year, though there’s still a chance the company might stick with Qualcomm’s modem instead.

It remains unclear whether the base iPhone 18 will also get Apple’s C1 modem while the C2 remains exclusive to the Pro models, or if the non-Pro iPhones will continue using Qualcomm’s modems for another year.

Since the modem is a crucial component for connectivity, Apple likely wants to ensure that its in-house technology is fully ready before replacing Qualcomm’s solution. While tests indicate that the C1 modem delivers comparable speeds to Qualcomm’s modems in most cases, it still doesn’t support high-speed 5G mmWave connectivity.

FAQs

Q1. When will Apple introduce its next-gen 5G modem the C2 chip?

Answer. The C2 chip is expected to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models in 2026.

Q2. What are the key features of Apple’s C1 modem in the iPhone 16e?

Answer. The C1 modem combines 4nm baseband technology with a 7nm transceiver, and is more power-efficient than Qualcomm’s modems, but lacks high-speed 5G mmWave support.

Q3. Will non-Pro iPhone models get Apple’s in-house modem?

Answer. It is unclear if the base iPhone 18 models will receive the C1 modem, while the C2 chip will remain exclusive to Pro models. Non-Pro models may still use Qualcomm modems.

Also Read: iPhone 16e Reviews Highlight Large Battery and Impressive C1 Chip Performance, Criticizes Some Drawbacks

Also Read: Apple Unveils Its First In-House 5G Modem C1 Chip, Replacing Qualcomm