Overview
- A Weibo post from leaker Fixed Focus Digital claims the C2 baseband in iPhone 18 Pro models will support the NR-NTN standard for 5G satellite connectivity.
- NR-NTN can enable both direct phone-to-satellite links and satellite backhaul for carriers, with reports diverging on which method Apple may implement first.
- This is the first time NR-NTN support has been explicitly tied to Apple’s C2 modem as a specific hardware capability.
- The C2 is reported to add mmWave and sub-6GHz support and to exceed the C1/C1X chips, bringing performance closer to Qualcomm’s modems.
- Apple has not confirmed these specifications, and any expanded services would depend on Globalstar infrastructure upgrades, with current satellite features limited to Emergency SOS, Find My, Messages, and roadside assistance that require a clear sky.