Apple has been working to improve its own modem technology for years to provide more control on mobile devices. C1 Modem, the company’s first own production, was released with the iPhone 16e model. However, Apple is working on a second -generation modem to carry this technology further. Allegedly, Apple’s new generation C2 modem can be used in iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. This is seen as an important development to reduce the company’s dependence on Qualcomm modems.
Apple’s current C1 modem has some restrictions. This chip containing 4-7nm base band components and a 55nm power management integrated circuit (PMIC) does not provide MMWave support. Therefore, Apple seems to be low likely to use this modem in the iPhone 17 Pro series. Analysts say that the iPhone 17 Pro models will probably be launched with Qualcomm’s modems. However, with the iPhone 18 Pro series, which is expected to be introduced in 2026, Apple can switch to its own modem.
Analyst Jeff Pu, one of the reliable sources in the industry, argues that Apple will include the C2 modem that it has completely developed in iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. However, a definite decision has not been made for the standard iPhone 18. The company will either continue to use the current C1 modem, or some iPhone 18 models will continue to go with Qualcomm modems.
On the other hand, Apple’s C1 modem still works as an independent component. So, it is not a solution integrated into the main processor of the device. Apple is known to plan to integrate future modems into A series of chips, but the latest reports show that it will not happen soon. The company carries out a long -term plan to create a completely independent modem ecosystem.
Apple’s move can create significant changes for iPhone users in terms of both performance and power consumption. Reducing dependence on Qualcomm can allow the company to reduce costs and better optimize modern performance. However, this transition process brings some technical difficulties.
It is also known that Apple encounters some obstacles in the process of developing its own modems. Modem technology is of great importance not only in terms of speed, but also in terms of signal power, battery efficiency and 5G connection stability. The modem solutions developed by Qualcomm for years perform very successfully in these areas. Apple has a long way to go to the company because it requires a large software and hardware compatibility to switch to modems that are entirely on its own production.
However, the fact that Apple wants to increase its control over the supply chain and better integrate modern performance into its ecosystem shows that the company will continue to invest in this project in the long run. The use of Apple’s second generation C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro series can be an important step in this process. However, it may be necessary to wait a few more years to make Apple a fully independent modem manufacturer.