Though the iPhone 18 Pro may not bring any major design changes, there seem to be some under-the-hood upgrades that one can look out for. We’re talking about an advanced LTPO+ OLED display and DSLR-style teleconverter to boost the zoom quality. Another area that might see improvement on the iPhone 18 Pro is the satellite connectivity, thanks to Apple’s C2 5G modem.
Apple’s C2 Modem may enable 5G satellite connectivity on the iPhone 18 Pro
The Emergency SOS via satellite feature arrived with the iPhone 14 family. While it was great, it had some limitations. This only provides limited data access when outside the range of mobile networks. It was launched initially as a means to text emergency services when there’s no network at all. However, it eventually expanded to include roadside assistance and messaging family.
While it covers the safety aspects when in remote areas, it is very slow and offers limited service. Apple is expected to address the shortcomings this year with new hardware that will enable 5G satellite connectivity for the iPhone 18 Pro models. This will reportedly allow the phones to treat each low-orbit satellite as just another cell tower.Â
The C2 modem will support NR-NTN
Leaker Fixed-Focus Digital says that this year, direct internet access via low-Earth-orbit satellites on smartphones will be a major highlight. He adds that Apple’s C2 modem will support NR-NTN. For context, the NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks) integrates 5G capabilities into satellite connectivity.
Apple’s C2 5G modem was reported to be in development last year, shortly after the iPhone 16e’s launch. It is likely to debut on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This will make them the first models to support this type of satellite connectivity. That said, even if the C2 5G modem is capable, it’s practically of no use unless Globalstar, Apple’s official partner for satellite connectivity, upgrades its infrastructure.Â
The US and Canada could be the first regions to support 5G satellite connectivity. Other markets should get it eventually.
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