iPhone 18 Pro models may feature Apple’s second-generation C2 modem in 2026.
C1 modem (debuted with iPhone 16e) lacks mmWave support, limiting 5G speeds.
Analyst Jeff Pu and Mark Gurman confirm Apple’s plans to prioritize in-house modems.
Apple may retain Qualcomm modems for premium models if C2 faces delays.
mmWave support expected in upgraded C1/C2 modems for faster connectivity.
Apple Accelerates In-House 5G Modem Development for iPhone 18 Pro
Apple’s push to reduce dependency on Qualcomm is gaining momentum. According to industry analysts, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could debut with Apple’s second-generation C2 modem in 2026, marking a critical milestone in the company’s semiconductor ambitions.
Jeff Pu of GF Securities and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggest Apple is prioritizing its in-house modem technology.
While the first-gen C1 modem (launched with the iPhone 16e) offers basic 5G connectivity, it lacks mmWave support, a high-frequency band crucial for ultra-fast speeds.
This limitation has reportedly spurred Apple to fast-track the C2 modem, which could address these gaps and compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75.
Strategic Shifts
Initial plans to equip the iPhone 17 Air with the C1 modem may be scrapped, per Pu’s note. Instead, Apple might reserve the C2 exclusively for Pro models, while non-Pro iPhones could retain Qualcomm modems.
This tiered approach ensures premium users benefit from Apple’s cutting-edge tech while mitigating supply chain risks.
mmWave Support: Future C1/C2 upgrades could enable faster 5G speeds in dense urban areas.
Supply Chain Independence: Reducing reliance on Qualcomm aligns with Apple’s vertical integration strategy.
Competitive Edge: In-house modems could lower costs and optimize hardware-software integration.
