Apple may replace Qualcomm modems with in-house C2 chip in iPhone 18 Pro
Reports suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could use Apple’s own C2 cellular modem worldwide, potentially reducing Qualcomm’s share of components in the new models.
Apple is reportedly preparing to equip the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra with its next-generation C2 cellular modem, a shift that could see the company move away from Qualcomm’s chips across most markets. The change would follow a long-standing reliance on Qualcomm for iPhone modems, with Apple currently using its own C1X chip in a limited number of devices.
Leaked documents from a recent Tata cyber-attack hinted that Apple might adopt a split strategy, deploying the C2 modem globally while retaining Qualcomm components for the United States. However, Qualcomm’s latest earnings commentary suggested a rapid decline in revenue from Apple products, with the supplier expecting its share of components in the next iPhone launch to fall well below the previously estimated 20%.
"Qualcomm expects revenue from Apple products to decline more quickly starting in the fourth quarter as supply constraints reduce its share of components used in the next iPhone launch to well below its earlier estimate of 20%," CEO Cristiano Amon told Reuters.
Analysts interpret the statement as an indication that Qualcomm’s presence in the upcoming iPhone lineup may be minimal, supporting the possibility that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the Apple-designed C2 modem even in the U.S. market.