Key Points:
• Apple is expected to bring its own 5G modem, C2, to iPhone 18 Pro models in 2026.
• The company may use its current C1 modem in the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air later this year.
• It’s unclear whether the base iPhone 18 model will also receive the C1 chip or continue to feature a Qualcomm 5G modem.
As Apple continues to push forward with its in-house 5G modem development, the company is expected to integrate its next-generation C2 chip into higher-end iPhone models, specifically the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, starting in 2026. Thisnews comes from analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities, who has been tracking Apple’s modem advancements.
The C2 chip is a significant improvement over the current C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e. The C1 chip combines 4-nanometer baseband technology with 7-nanometer transceiver technology, making it more efficient and using less power than Qualcomm’s modems. While the C1 modem has shown promising results, it still lacks support for higher 5G mmWave speeds.
It’s unclear whether the base iPhone 18 model will also receive the C1 chip or continue to feature a Qualcomm 5G modem. Apple may be cautious, wanting to ensure its in-house modem meets high standards before replacing Qualcomm’s modems across the entire iPhone range.
In the meantime, Apple may decide to test the waters with the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to feature the C1 chip later this year. This could be a strategic move to gauge the performance of the modem in a specific model before rolling it out to a larger audience.
What’s more, Apple may not be limited to solely integrating its 5G modem into iPhones. The company could potentially expand its use to other products, such as cellular versions of the iPad and Apple Watch, before bringing it to more iPhone models.
Stay tuned for more updates on Apple’s 5G modem developments and what this means for the future of iOS devices. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a new iPhone, consider upgrading to the latest model to experience the benefits of Apple’s continued investment in 5G technology.
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