iPhone 18 satellite communication update with C2 5G modem

Apple is preparing a significant satellite communication update for the iPhone 18 lineup, with the new C2 5G modem playing a key role. According to insiders, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be the first to support the new NR-NTN protocol. This will allow the smartphones to treat low-orbit satellites as regular cellular towers.

The Emergency SOS satellite feature, which debuted with the iPhone 14, has already proven effective in emergencies but came with limitations. Users had to point their device toward open sky to establish a connection, and data transmission capabilities remained quite restricted. With the implementation of the New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks standard, the situation could change dramatically.

The C2 modem will be the second generation of Apple's proprietary chip. Beyond supporting mmWave and sub-6GHz bands, it will enable full integration of NR-NTN—a standard that allows direct connection to satellites for network access. This promises more stable connectivity and the potential for satellite connections to work even indoors, without the need to specifically "catch" a signal.

In practice, Apple is taking a step toward blurring the line between traditional mobile networks and satellite communication. If the technology functions fully, users could access the internet via satellites almost as seamlessly as through regular base stations.

However, much will depend on Apple's partner, Globalstar. To realize this new level of connectivity, the operator will need to upgrade its infrastructure. The United States and Canada are expected to be the first to support 5G satellite connectivity, with the technology then expanding to other countries.