Overview
- Multiple outlets reported in May 2026 that Apple plans to ship a proprietary C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro line that is said to support 5G NR-NTN, the 5G standard for non‑terrestrial (satellite) networks.
- 5G NR-NTN is a standards-level way to treat satellites like distant cell towers so devices can hand over between cellular and satellite networks without manual alignment to the sky.
- Reports say that with 5G NR-NTN the phone could switch automatically to satellite when cellular coverage is poor and maintain connections while the device is in a pocket, car, or indoors.
- The C2 modem is also reported to replace Qualcomm baseband chips on Apple’s flagship models, a shift that would give Apple tighter control over cellular hardware and affect its supply chain and carrier relationships.
- All details remain unconfirmed industry reports and Bloomberg reporting; Apple has not announced features or timing and the rumored iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to debut around September 2026 pending official confirmation.