Apple plans to take a major step toward satellite internet on the iPhone 18 Pro. A new report claims the company’s next-generation C2 modem will support 5G satellite connectivity, allowing direct links between the phone and low-Earth-orbit satellites. If accurate, this upgrade would move the iPhone beyond basic emergency messaging and closer to full internet access from space.
So far, Apple has limited satellite features to safety tools. Emergency SOS via Satellite, introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, lets users send texts when they lose cellular coverage. Over time, Apple added roadside assistance, Messages via Satellite, and Find My support. However, these tools offer limited data speeds and require a clear view of the sky.
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New Leak
According to the Weibo account Fixed Focus Digital, Apple’s upcoming C2 baseband chip will support NR-NTN, or New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks. The leaker wrote:
“This year, direct internet access via low-Earth-orbit satellites on smartphones is a major highlight, and Apple’s C2 baseband this year will support NR-NTN. From this perspective, 2026 marks a pivotal starting point for mobile phone manufacturers to enable satellite internet connectivity.”
NR-NTN integrates 5G standards into satellite communications. In simple terms, it allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites using 5G protocols. This differs from Apple’s current system, which handles limited data for emergency use. If Apple enables full NR-NTN support, the iPhone 18 Pro could access broader internet services in remote areas.
Earlier reports pointed in the same direction. Wayne Ma reported that Apple plans to support 5G networks that are not tied to ground infrastructure, including satellites. Mark Gurman later said Apple is developing satellite over 5G for upcoming iPhones, though he described a system where carriers use satellites as network backhaul rather than direct phone-to-satellite links.
That distinction matters. A backhaul system extends coverage through carriers. Direct satellite connectivity allows the device to communicate with satellites without relying on nearby towers. The latest leak suggests Apple aims for the direct model.
The C2 modem is also expected to improve overall performance. Reports suggest it may add mmWave 5G support and close the gap with Qualcomm’s modem chips, which Apple currently uses in many models. Over time, Apple appears focused on building a fully in-house cellular stack.
Much depends on satellite infrastructure. Apple currently works with Globalstar, whose network would need upgrades to handle full 5G satellite data. Even so, the direction is clear. Apple started with emergency messaging. The iPhone 18 Pro could mark the next phase, bringing true 5G satellite connectivity to mainstream smartphones.
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