Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature direct 5G connectivity via satellite, a capability enabled by the company’s next-generation C2 modem, according to multiple reports emerging this week.
The development marks a significant evolution from Apple’s current satellite features, which since 2022 have been limited to Emergency SOS via Satellite for text messaging in areas without cellular coverage. The iPhone 18 Pro aims to move beyond emergency-only functionality to provide full internet access through direct connection to low-Earth-orbit satellites.
A report from 9to5Mac, corroborated by Forbes and MacRumors, indicates that the C2 baseband chip will support NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks). This standard facilitates both direct phone-to-satellite links and the use of satellites as backhaul for carrier networks, extending coverage into remote regions. Fixed Focus Digital, a leaker with a track record of accurate predictions, first reported the NR-NTN support within the C2 modem on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
The Information reported in October 2025 that Apple was planning to support 5G networks “not tethered to Earth’s surface,” and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman followed in November with a report detailing “satellite over 5G” features for upcoming iPhones. Gurman’s reporting suggests a system where iPhones would leverage cellular towers to tap into satellite coverage when standard networks are unavailable. However, the latest leaks suggest Apple is prioritizing a direct device-to-satellite communication model.
Technobezz.com notes that the C2 modem represents Apple’s continued investment in in-house cellular technology, succeeding the C1 modem introduced with the iPhone 16e. The C2 chip is as well expected to include mmWave 5G support and improved performance compared to Qualcomm alternatives.
While the precise implementation remains unclear, the shift towards satellite 5G connectivity could eliminate dead zones for iPhone users, offering seamless internet access even in the most remote locations. Current satellite features require clear sky visibility and offer limited bandwidth, constraints that the iPhone 18 Pro’s C2 modem may address.
