Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to feature 5G connectivity via satellite, according to multiple reports surfacing this week. The capability, enabled by a new C2 modem, represents a significant step in Apple’s ongoing effort to expand connectivity options beyond traditional cellular networks.
The development builds upon the Emergency SOS via Satellite feature first introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, which initially provided limited access for emergency texting. That service has since been expanded to include roadside assistance and messaging with family and friends, though it remains a leisurely and restricted service intended for use in remote areas lacking cellular coverage. Apple’s long-term vision, however, appears to be a full transition to satellite-based 5G communication, potentially bypassing the demand for ground-based antennas altogether.
According to a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo by user “Fixed Focus Digital,” a leaker with a proven track record, the C2 baseband modem debuting in the iPhone 18 Pro will support NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks). NR-NTN is a standard designed to integrate 5G capabilities with satellite connectivity. This suggests Apple intends to allow iPhones to connect directly to satellites for internet access, rather than relying on satellite backhaul for existing carrier networks.
Multiple sources corroborate the expectation of 5G satellite connectivity in the iPhone 18 Pro. In October 2025, The Information reported Apple’s plans to support “5G networks that aren’t tethered to Earth’s surface, which includes satellites,” offering full internet access via satellite. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman subsequently referenced this report in November, stating Apple is developing “satellite over 5G” for this year’s iPhones, allowing devices to utilize cellular towers to tap into satellite coverage when standard networks are unavailable.
The C2 modem’s capabilities are not limited to direct-to-satellite connections. The NR-NTN standard also encompasses the use of satellites as backhaul for cellular networks, extending coverage into remote regions. However, the latest reports suggest Apple’s initial implementation will focus on enabling direct device-to-satellite links.
While the timeline for full 5G satellite access remains uncertain, the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are currently slated for a fall 2026 release, alongside a new folding iPhone model. The Information also reported a potential shift in Apple’s release cycle for standard iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 potentially launching in the spring of 2027.
Apple currently partners with Globalstar for its existing satellite connectivity features. However, Globalstar’s financial stability is reportedly precarious, with the company seeking acquisition and warning that the loss of a major partner would significantly impact its finances. Speculation suggests Apple may explore a partnership with SpaceX, which provides the Starlink satellite service and recently implemented support for the iPhone’s satellite radio spectrum.
