Apple has started supplying the C2, its proprietary 5G modem, for the iPhone 18 Pro line. Although this component is used in the iPhone 18 Pro globally, the iPhone 18 Pro Max model presents a distinction: it uses the C2 internationally, except in the United States, where it is equipped with a Qualcomm modem.
This divergence was noted by users who examined the source code of iOS 27. System data indicates that units destined for the American Pro Max market use the Qualcomm component, which is speculated to be the Snapdragon X85.
Apple has not detailed the reason for this choice, but this change may be related to commercial agreements established with Qualcomm in 2023, which guaranteed the supply of parts until 2026.
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The C2 modem represents the third generation of connectivity chip created by Apple, succeeding the C1 (found in the iPhone 16e) and the C1X (used in the iPhone Air).
The most significant improvement of the C2 compared to its predecessors is its ability to support 5G mmWave networks in the US, a functionality that Qualcomm had already made available since the launch of the iPhone 12. The manufacturer itself points out that the C2 provides upload speeds superior to the C1X and consumes 15% less energy.
Additionally, the foldable iPhone Duo also incorporates the C2 modem in all its globally available variants.
When the devices are launched on the market, performance tests in the coming weeks should compare the effectiveness of Apple's new chip against the component supplied by Qualcomm.
