Apple is developing a new C2 5G modem for the iPhone 18 Pro
By ForGeeks Recognized analyst Jeff Poo (GF Securities) shared that Apple is actively developing a new version of the 5G modem that could appear in the iPhone 18 Pro in 2025.
From C1 to C2: How Apple is moving into 5G
Apple introduced the first proprietary 5G modem, the C1, along with the iPhone 16e, but that chip doesn’t support mmWave, which limits its speed. However, it’s an important step toward moving away from Qualcomm and building its own networking solutions.
Despite the success of the C1, it’s not ready for flagship models. There were earlier rumors that Apple wanted to use it in the iPhone 17 Air (expected in September), but the company later dropped the idea. Now Apple is focusing on developing the C2, which could appear exclusively in the iPhone 18 Pro.
What’s Apple’s new modem better?”
Recent laboratory tests of the iPhone 16e have shown that the C1 is more power efficient than Qualcomm’s modems, providing better battery life. This indicates that the C2 could be a significant improvement:
Energy efficiency → more battery life
Optimization for iOS → stable connectivity
Support for mmWave (expected) → flagship level of speed
It’s still unclear whether the base iPhone 18 will get the C1 modem, or stay with Qualcomm chips.
Apple vs. Samsung: Race for Independence
Apple is not the only company seeking self-owned chip manufacturing. Its main competitor Samsung is still continuing to use Qualcomm modems in the Galaxy S25 and S26, but is also developing Exynos.
The trend toward self-developed components among smartphone makers continues to grow, and Apple is clearly increasing its efforts to minimize its reliance on Qualcomm.
