apple
iPhone 18 Pro Leak Reveals Major Design Overhaul and C2 Chip with Satellite Connectivity
By MobileNiu Tech••5 min read
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series will introduce the company's second-generation in-house 5G modem chip, marking a significant advancement in cellular technology integration, according to recent supply chain reports from February 2026.
The new C2 modem chip represents Apple's continued push toward complete component independence. Unlike the first-generation C1 chip found in the iPhone 16e, the C2 adds support for NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite communication.
This technology breakthrough allows iPhone 18 Pro users to maintain connectivity even indoors, eliminating the line-of-sight requirement that limits current satellite solutions. The system upgrades from emergency SOS functionality to full 5G-speed internet access via satellite networks.
According to industry analysts, Apple's satellite partner Globalstar has been expanding its constellation to support this enhanced capability, with additional low-earth orbit satellites launched throughout 2025.
Supply chain sources indicate the iPhone 18 Pro will receive the most substantial design revision since the iPhone 15 series. Key changes include:
MacRumors and CNMO Tech report that the camera module changes align with Apple's broader design language evolution, potentially signaling the direction for future flagship devices.
Current leaks suggest Apple will announce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in September 2026. The company is also expected to introduce:
The staggered release strategy allows Apple to differentiate its product tiers more clearly while managing supply chain constraints for new technologies.
Based on aggregated leak data, the iPhone 18 Pro specifications include:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | A20 Pro (3nm enhanced) |
| Modem | Apple C2 with NR-NTN |
| Display | 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED |
| Camera | 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB options |
The C2 chip's satellite capabilities position Apple competitively against Android manufacturers who have been expanding satellite features. Huawei's Mate 70 series and Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra both offer satellite connectivity, but Apple's indoor capability represents a technical differentiator.
The move also reduces Apple's dependency on Qualcomm, with the C2 modem marking another step toward complete cellular technology independence. Industry observers estimate Apple's modem development program has invested over $3 billion since acquiring Intel's modem division in 2019.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 18 Pro series in September 2026, following the company's traditional fall release schedule.
The C2 is Apple's second-generation in-house 5G modem chip. It supports NR-NTN satellite networks, enabling indoor satellite connectivity without requiring line-of-sight to the sky.
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro with C2 chip will support 5G-speed internet via satellite, upgrading from the emergency SOS functionality of previous models.
The iPhone 18 Pro will feature a redesigned camera module layout, refined titanium frame, and improved display technology, representing the most significant design update in three years.