Apple's next in-house modem could debut in the iPhone 18 Pro

Apple's in-house radio modem could become the next differentiating feature for future higher-end iPhone models. 

In his investor note, analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities expects Apple to use its C2 modem in the iPhone 18 Pro models next year. That said, it is unclear if that means the standard iPhone 18 will use the C1 modem that debuted in the iPhone 16E.

Apple typically keeps the latest features exclusive to the higher-end iPhone models such as the ProMotion displays, the Pro variants of the A-series chips, and the telephoto lens. A more power-efficient radio with faster performance could be next on the list of exclusive features.

Pu added that Apple initially planned to put the C1 modem in the rumoured iPhone 17 Air, but that plan was called off. Since Apple and Qualcomm's existing deal expires in 2027, there is a possibility the iPhone 17 Air would have a Qualcomm modem.

Apple is widely expected to replace the Qualcomm modems used in its phones with its in-house modems within the next three years. This ambitious plan started with the debut of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16E. Furthermore, the iPhone maker is also expected to integrate future C-series modems directly onto its A-series chips "in 2028 at the earliest".

Source: 9to5Mac

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