Apple is rumored to have a next-generation C2 chip coming to iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, shifting away from the Qualcomm 5G modem found in iPhone 17 Pro. Here are three new advantages the Apple-designed modem will bring.
#1: Improved battery efficiency
Power efficiency has been a consistent advantage of Apple’s C1 and C1X cellular modems. And we’re expecting that trend to continue with the new C2 chip.
Because of the tight integration between iOS and Apple silicon, Apple is able to extend battery life over cellular beyond what Qualcomm’s modems offer.
How big of gains could C2 enable? It’s hard to know. While Apple credits C1 and C1X with battery life gains across iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and M5 iPad Pro, the company hasn’t shared specific numbers to date.
