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Apple’s In-House C2 Modem Expected to Debut in iPhone 18 Pro Models

The C2 modem, set for 2026, aims to support mmWave 5G and reduce reliance on Qualcomm as Apple transitions to in-house wireless technology.

iPhone 18 Pro could get the C2 exclusively.
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Overview

  • Apple's second-generation C2 modem is reported to debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models in 2026, addressing the mmWave 5G support missing from the C1 modem.
  • The C1 modem, introduced in the iPhone 16e, prioritizes power efficiency but lacks mmWave 5G connectivity, making it suitable for lower-tier devices.
  • Analysts suggest the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, expected later in 2025, will feature the C1 modem, leveraging its efficiency for a slim design.
  • Apple has extended its Qualcomm 5G modem contract through 2027, signaling a phased transition to its in-house modem technology.
  • The development of Apple's in-house modems follows its acquisition of Intel's 5G division and reflects its strategy to control its wireless ecosystem and reduce supplier dependency.