Published : 20 Sep 2026, 07:41 PM
Updated : 20 Sep 2026, 07:41 PM
Apple has used different 5G modems in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, marking the first such split between two Pro models launched in the same generation, according to PhoneArena.
The iPhone 18 Pro features Apple’s latest in-house C2 5G modem, while a preliminary teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max by TechInsights found Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X80 modem inside.
Apple introduced the C2 at its “Surprise and Shine” event on Sept 9.
Compared with the C1X used in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17e, the C2 adds support for millimetre-wave (mmWave) 5G, which can deliver download speeds of more than 2Gbps but has limited range and poor building penetration.
Mid-band 5G remains the faster practical option for many US users because it offers a better balance between speed and coverage.
The C2 also consumes 15 percent less power than the C1X, potentially helping battery efficiency while supporting faster connectivity.
The difference is significant because Apple is gradually moving towards designing more of the iPhone's key components itself.
Qualcomm's X80 is designed to support both iOS and Android, while the C2 is built specifically for the iPhone, allowing tighter integration with Apple's hardware and software.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max also includes Apple's N1 network processor for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the A20 Pro chip and 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM. Samsung is the main memory supplier, with SK Hynix and Micron also supplying components.
Apple's N1, introduced with the iPhone 17 series, replaced a Broadcom component and was designed to improve integration with iOS, reliability for features such as AirDrop and battery efficiency.
Apple is expected to introduce its C3 modem, codenamed “Prometheus”, next year. PhoneArena reports that the chip is being designed for higher performance than rival modems, including Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon, with advanced AI capabilities and support for next-generation satellite networks.
