Overview
- A Weibo leaker claims Apple’s in-house C2 baseband within the A20 chipset will support 3GPP NR-NTN for direct links to low-Earth-orbit satellites.
- The reported capability would extend iPhones beyond Emergency SOS by enabling internet data in places without terrestrial coverage.
- Forbes reports the iPhone 18 Pro would mark Apple’s first Pro model to use its own modem rather than Qualcomm’s.
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported Apple is exploring software additions such as developer APIs, Apple Maps features, photo support in satellite messages, and connectivity that could work in a pocket or indoors.
- Outlets note Apple has not confirmed the feature, and any deployment would rely on agreements with satellite providers and carrier upgrades, with expectations generally aligned to a fall 2026 launch window.