iPhone 18 Pro: Apple's C2 Modem to Support 5G Satellite Connectivity

Source: MacRumors

Overview

Apple’s next‑generation C2 modem is expected to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models and will bring support for 5G satellite connectivity, according to a leak from a Chinese source.

Leaker Claims

• A post on Weibo by the account Fixed Focus Digital states that the C2 baseband modem will support NR‑NTN (New Radio Non‑Terrestrial Networks).
• NR‑NTN can enable both direct phone‑to‑satellite links and the use of satellites as backhaul for carrier networks, extending coverage to remote areas.
• The leaker’s translation suggests Apple’s implementation will allow iPhones to connect directly to satellites for internet access.

Industry Reports

• The Information (Wayne Ma) reported that Apple plans to add support for 5G networks “that aren’t tethered to Earth’s surface, which includes satellites,” potentially giving iPhones full internet access over satellite.
• Bloomberg (Mark Gurman) referenced Ma’s report, saying Apple is developing “satellite over 5G” for this year’s iPhones. Gurman’s description focuses on satellite backhaul for carrier networks rather than direct device‑to‑satellite communication.

Additional Satellite Features (Gurman)

• An API for third‑party apps to use satellite connections.
• Satellite‑powered Apple Maps.
• Support for photos in satellite messages.
• Ability to stay connected without pointing the device toward the sky, potentially working from a pocket or indoors.

Note: The development stage of these features is unclear, and they may not be part of Apple’s initial 5G satellite rollout. Implementing many of them would also require significant upgrades to Globalstar’s aging satellite infrastructure, which Apple currently relies on.

Existing Satellite Capabilities

Current iPhone 14 models and newer support satellite communication only for:

• Emergency SOS.
• Find My and Messages apps.
• Roadside assistance.

These functions require a clear view of the sky for direct satellite links.

C2 Modem Capabilities

• Expected to be more capable than the current C1 and C1X modems.
• May include mmWave 5G connectivity.
• Likely to approach the performance of Qualcomm modem chips that Apple plans to replace.

Other Notes

• The “iPhone 16e” name has been mentioned as a possible designation for Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE successor.