The iPhone 18 Pro could see a significant technological leap this year. According to recent reports, Apple will use a new, proprietary baseband modem in the Pro models for the first time, supporting 5G satellite connectivity. Specifically, this refers to the so-called C2 modem, which, according to a Chinese leaker, will support the NR-NTN standard. This would allow the iPhone 18 Pro to go beyond traditional cellular networks and, under certain conditions, connect directly or indirectly to satellites.
Satellite functionality is nothing new for Apple. Since the iPhone 14, certain services have been available via satellite. However, these are severely limited. Currently, satellite functionality is restricted to:
- Emergency call SOS
- "Find My"
- Messages via Satellite
- Roadside Assistance
All these functions require a clear view of the sky. The device must be actively pointed towards the satellite to establish a connection. Furthermore, this is not full internet access, but rather special, highly limited services.
With the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple now seems to be preparing the next step: true 5G satellite support as part of regular network connectivity.
C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro: NR-NTN as the technical basis
According to the Weibo account Fixed Focus Digital, Apple's new C2 baseband modem will be used in the iPhone 18 Pro models. This modem is said to support the 5G standard NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks).
NR-NTN is a standard specifically designed for non-terrestrial networks, including satellite networks. The technology allows for two different applications:
- Direct communication between smartphone and satellite
- Using satellites as backhaul for existing mobile networks
In the first case, the device connects directly to a satellite. In the second case, satellites are used to connect cell towers in remote regions to the core network, thereby extending coverage.
The leaker suggests that Apple's implementation could allow the iPhone 18 Pro to connect directly to satellites and gain internet access. That would be significantly more than the current emergency features.
Previous reports on the 5G satellite strategy
Back in October 2025, Wayne Ma of The Information reported that Apple was planning to expand iPhones' 5G capabilities that year, enabling networks "not tied to the Earth's surface", including satellites. According to the report, this would give the iPhone unrestricted internet access via satellite.
In November 2025, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman picked up on this report. He referred to "Satellite over 5G" for that year's iPhones. His description suggests that Apple primarily intends to use satellites to extend traditional cellular networks. This means that cell towers will use satellites to provide continued connectivity where standard coverage is lacking. Herein lies an important distinction:
- Gurman describes a satellite backhaul model.
- The recent leak and Wayne Ma's report suggest a direct device-to-satellite model.
For the first time, the C2 modem with NR-NTN support is specifically mentioned as the technical basis for this function. This makes the rumors more plausible.
Other planned satellite functions
According to Mark Gurman, Apple is working on additional satellite features that go beyond mere connectivity. These include:
- An API that allows developers to integrate satellite connections into third-party apps.
- Satellite-based features in Apple Maps
- Support for photos in satellite news
- Improved connection stability, so the device no longer needs to be physically aligned with the sky.
Apple is reportedly working on enabling the iPhone to maintain a satellite connection even when it's in a pocket or indoors. This would significantly alleviate the current limitation of a clear line of sight.
However, it is unclear how far these developments have progressed. It is considered likely that many of these enhanced features will not appear directly with the initial introduction of 5G satellite connectivity in the iPhone 18 Pro.
Technical development of the C2 modem
Previous reports indicate that the C2 modem will be more powerful than the current C1 and C1X models. Possible improvements include:
- mmWave-5G support
- Higher overall performance
- Approaching the performance of Qualcomm modem chips
Apple has been working for years to become less dependent on Qualcomm. The C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro could be another big step in that direction.
Dependence on Globalstar
A crucial factor remains the existing satellite infrastructure. Apple currently relies on Globalstar's infrastructure, which is considered outdated and would require extensive modernization to implement many of the planned features.
Significant upgrades would be necessary, particularly for expanded internet access or widespread 5G satellite support. Without these infrastructure improvements, the range of functions is likely to remain limited initially.
Credibility of the source
The Weibo account "Fixed Focus Digital" has published accurate information in the past. For example, they correctly named the successor to the iPhone SE as the iPhone 16e. This increases the likelihood that the current information about the iPhone 18 Pro also has merit, even though it remains unconfirmed.
iPhone 18 Pro: Strategic step towards global network coverage
The iPhone 18 Pro could bring true 5G satellite connectivity to an Apple smartphone for the first time. With the C2 modem and NR-NTN support, Apple would technically enable both direct satellite connections and satellite backhaul.
It is still unclear which option will ultimately be implemented and to what extent additional features such as satellite APIs, Apple Maps extensions, or persistent connections without line of sight will be available. Much also depends on the modernization of the Globalstar infrastructure.
One thing is certain: If the iPhone 18 Pro actually offers internet access via satellite, the range of mobile communication would expand significantly. This would make the device not just another annual upgrade, but a strategic step towards network-independent connectivity. (Image: Shutterstock / Vadim Sadovski)
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