iPhone Fold & iPhone 18 Pro: Faster thanks to the new C2 modem

The iPhone 17 series has just been released, but there are already concrete hints about the technologies that will be included in its successors. The two upcoming models, the iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro, are particularly exciting. They are said to be equipped with a completely new chipset and enable faster mobile data transfer.

For years, Apple has been committed to integrating the most powerful and cutting-edge technology into its smartphones. The next generation heralds several major advances: an A20 chip, manufactured for the first time using the 2-nanometer process, and a C2 modem that is supposed to transmit mobile data faster than ever before. Initial information from reports and supply chain sources indicate that this technology will be installed in the high-end iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro models.

A20 chip for iPhone Fold and iPhone 18

The iPhone 17 models still use TSMC's 3-nanometer process. Starting next year, this is set to change. The A20 chip will be the first iPhone processor produced using the 2-nanometer process. This technology makes the chip more energy-efficient and powerful than all its predecessors. It was initially unclear whether only the Pro models would be equipped with the new process or whether it would be used in all devices. A report from March indicated that all models of the coming year would be equipped with 2-nanometer chips. The Taiwanese Commercial Times confirms this assumption and assumes that other Apple products, such as the MacBook Pro with the M6 chip or the Vision Pro with the R2 chip, will also receive the new technology. Specifically, Apple is also using WMCM Advanced Packaging for the A20 chip, which allows for a more compact design while simultaneously increasing performance. This is intended to secure its position as the market leader in the smartphone processor sector.

C2 modem for faster mobile data

Along with the processor, the modem plays a key role in mobile data speed. Until now, Apple's C1 chip was considered slower than the Qualcomm chips used in most iPhones. There were even concerns that mobile data speeds would be slower with the iPhone Air. Apple attempted to improve this with the C1X variant. According to the company, this is up to twice as fast as the original C1. However, neither the C1 nor the C1X support the fast mmWave 5G mobile network standard. The new C2 modem is intended to make exactly that possible. The high-end iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be equipped with this modem. This would not only allow Apple to catch up, but possibly even surpass the current Qualcomm chips.

New designs and features

In addition to the technical improvements, there are also changes in design and usability. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a smaller dynamic island. The iPhone Fold is expected to be Apple's first foldable smartphone. To support the flexible design, Touch ID will be integrated into the side button. Both models thus rely on different but innovative solutions for biometric security.

iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro as pioneers

The iPhone Fold and iPhone 18 Pro represent a new generation of Apple smartphones. The A20 chip with the 2-nanometer process and the C2 modem for faster mobile data form the technical foundation, while new design solutions shape the external appearance. Even with the iPhone 17 series launching, it's already clear that Apple will once again set standards in performance, connectivity, and design with these upcoming devices. (Image: Shutterstock / Enkhtulga Khandsuren)