iPhone 18 Pro Models Again Rumored to Feature Apple's C2 Modem

Apple debuted its custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e last month, as part of a multi-year plan to transition away from Qualcomm modems. And per the latest rumor, the C1 modem will continue to roll out later this year.

apple c1
In a research note with investment firm GF Securities today, analyst Jeff Pu said the ultra-thin "iPhone 17 Air" will be equipped with the C1 modem. Fellow analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to reveal that this was Apple's plan last year.

Pu believes Apple's second-generation C2 modem will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models next year, which is also something that has already been rumored previously. Look for the C2 modem to be faster overall, and for it to gain mmWave support in the United States. Further power efficiency improvements are likely too.

iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to have Qualcomm modems still.

Apple's modem supply agreement with Qualcomm runs through March 2027, so the company still has time to transition to its own custom-designed modems. Apple develops chips several years before they ship, so it should come as no surprise that the company is reportedly already working on its next-generation C2 and C3 modems.

Apple said the C1 modem is already the most power-efficient iPhone modem ever, and it held up fine in both real-world and simulated 5G speed test results.

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Top Rated Comments

257Loner Avatar
17 weeks ago
And after the C2 modem debuts in the latest iPhones, the C3 modem will follow after that. Remember, you heard it first from me!
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dustin.haley Avatar
17 weeks ago

Let’s hope it’s better than the C1:



My 16e was delivered this morning via UPS - T-Mobile gave me $500 in trade-in value for my 2 & 1/2 year old Google Pixel 7 (that I only paid $350 for) so I was able to get the 16e in white for only 100 bucks ($4 x 24 months @ 0%)

I’m going to use it as my primary phone so that I can put this new C1 chip to the test and I’m going to give my 2nd iPhone (1TB 15 Pro Max) to my Dad so that he can take spatial videos

He wants to start taking spatial videos because he said that he wants to buy a 2nd generation Vision Pro (once it comes out) we got to try the new Vision Pro in Miami and it was pretty cool so my dad said he wants to get one if Apple lowers the price to $1,999 (or less)
The guy spends 5 minutes saying the 16e has a bigger battery than the 16. There have been actual tests showing the C1 is more efficient… this video also doesn’t discuss the data/speed performance at all.

Overall, useless video…
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
17 weeks ago
C2 will go into some iPhone 18 models, not sure it’ll be the Pros. For going into the Pros, it’ll have to be equal or better than the next one from QCOM and I’m not sure about that, yet.
My guess, QCOM for 18Pros and C2 for the others
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
NetMage Avatar
17 weeks ago

C2 will go into some iPhone 18 models, not sure it’ll be the Pros. For going into the Pros, it’ll have to be equal or better than the next one from QCOM and I’m not sure about that, yet.
My guess, QCOM for 18Pros and C2 for the others
Better isn't just about performance. If the C2 can match the current Qualcomm modem with less power usage, why wouldn't Apple use it in the 18 Pros?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DocMultimedia Avatar
17 weeks ago
Bring on the 2029 rumors. 2028 is so yesterday.

But I'll buy one.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F23 Avatar
17 weeks ago
has anyone done extensive testing on the C1 compared to the current iPhone modems to see performance differences?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)