Rumors: iPhone 18 Pro will debut Apple’s C2 5G modem in fall 2026, matching Qualcomm with full mmWave support, improved power use and tighter integration.
© A. Krivonosov
Rumors suggest Apple plans to swap Qualcomm modems for its own C2 silicon in the iPhone 18 Pro, expected in fall 2026. The move would give the company full control over cellular connectivity and let it fine-tune 5G performance, while cutting reliance on external suppliers—an approach that aligns with Apple’s long-term drive to tightly integrate hardware and software.
Apple has already taken a first step with the C1 modem in the mid-range iPhone 16e. While C1 handled basic cellular tasks, it did not support ultra-fast 5G mmWave, a capability that matters for flagships where top speeds and low latency are essential. The C2 modem is the next in-house generation and is expected to fully match Qualcomm’s capabilities, delivering high performance and support for all 5G standards, including mmWave.
The switch to the C2 won’t happen overnight. According to rumors, the baseline iPhone 18 models and the iPhone 17e, as well as the second-generation iPhone Air, are likely to stick with proven Qualcomm modems. Even so, a successful C2 debut in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would mark a meaningful step toward independence from outside suppliers, giving Apple tighter control over quality and performance at the high end. This transition could also offer more room to optimize power use and network stability—an advantage users are likely to notice as 5G networks continue to expand rapidly worldwide.