Apple C2 modem to bring satellite 5G connectivity

Apple is reportedly preparing its next in-house modem, called the C2, for a bigger role in future iPhones. A Chinese leak claims the chip, expected to appear in the iPhone 18 Pro line, will support 5G New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks (NR-NTN). In practice, that would let the phones connect directly to low-Earth orbit satellites and get online in places with no regular mobile coverage.

Apple has been linked to NR-NTN development before, but this rumor points to a specific generation of hardware and a concrete use case: satellite-based 5G data, not just emergency messaging. The company has not confirmed the modem, the timing, or any rollout plans, so for now this remains unannounced and subject to change.