Photo credit: X/@PatentlyAppleApple's next-generation iPhone Pro lineup may arrive with one of the company's most significant hardware changes in recent years. Newly surfaced leaked schematics and internal documents suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max could adopt different modem strategies depending on the market, potentially marking another major step in Apple's long-term plan to reduce its dependence on Qualcomm.The leaked information also points to camera upgrades for the upcoming flagship smartphones. Besides a new primary camera sensor, the documents hint at changes for China-specific models, indicating that Apple could finally introduce eSIM support in the country alongside other hardware improvements.Key TakeawaysA new leak suggests Apple could use Qualcomm modems in US versions of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.International variants are tipped to feature Apple's in-house C2 modem.Qualcomm's modem is expected to remain in US models because it supports mmWave 5G, which Apple's modem reportedly does not.The leak also points to a new Sony camera sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup.Apple is also tipped to introduce eSIM support in China for the Pro models.Apple may adopt a dual-modem strategy for the iPhone 18 Pro lineupAccording to newly leaked schematics and internal documents reportedly obtained following a cyberattack on Apple supplier Tata, Apple is preparing to divide its modem strategy for the iPhone 18 Pro series based on regional requirements. If the information proves accurate, customers purchasing the devices in the United States will receive models powered by Qualcomm's modem, while buyers in most international markets could get Apple's second-generation in-house modem, known as the C2.The reported decision appears to be driven by network compatibility rather than manufacturing constraints. Qualcomm's modem continues to support mmWave 5G, a technology widely deployed in the US for delivering extremely high wireless speeds over short distances. Apple's in-house modem is reportedly yet to support mmWave connectivity, making Qualcomm's solution the preferred choice for devices sold in the American market.The move would also represent another step in Apple's gradual modem transition. The company's first-generation modem has already debuted on select iPhone models, while the iPhone 18 Pro lineup could significantly expand its deployment across global markets.Apple's modem rollout appears to be expanding graduallyThe leak also provides a glimpse into Apple's current modem roadmap. At present, the iPhone 17e and the iPhone Air are said to rely on Apple's modem, whereas the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max continue to use Qualcomm's solution.If the latest information is accurate, Apple is expected to retain Qualcomm hardware only where its technical capabilities remain essential, while introducing the C2 modem to other regions. Such an approach would allow the company to continue refining its in-house modem technology without completely abandoning Qualcomm in markets where advanced 5G support remains important.Although Apple has not officially confirmed any modem changes for the iPhone 18 series, the reported strategy aligns with the company's broader efforts to bring more core technologies under its own control.Leak hints at camera upgrades for iPhone 18 Pro modelsBeyond connectivity, the leaked documents also indicate that Apple could introduce a new primary camera sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.According to the documents, the upcoming devices carry a camera sensor identifier labelled as Sony IMX905, replacing the Sony IMX903 sensor reportedly used on the current iPhone 17 Pro generation. The change has led to speculation that Apple may adopt a custom-developed Sony IMX905 sensor for its next flagship smartphones.The reported hardware upgrade also aligns with earlier rumours suggesting that this year's Pro models may feature a main camera capable of supporting a variable aperture. While Apple has yet to announce any camera specifications, the leaked sensor identifier indicates that imaging could once again be one of the biggest areas of improvement for the upcoming flagship lineup.China models could finally gain eSIM supportAnother notable detail emerging from the leaked documents concerns Apple's China-specific models. According to the information, the company could introduce eSIM functionality for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup sold in China.Currently, iPhones sold in the country rely on dual physical SIM card slots and do not support eSIM technology. If the reported change materialises, it would mark a significant shift in Apple's approach for one of its largest smartphone markets.The addition of eSIM support would also bring China's Pro models closer to those sold in several international markets, where Apple has steadily expanded eSIM compatibility over the past few years.Leak suggests another year of major hardware changesAlthough none of the reported details has been officially confirmed by Apple, the leaked documents paint a picture of a flagship lineup focused on refining both connectivity and camera performance.From a market-specific modem strategy to a potentially upgraded Sony camera sensor and expanded eSIM support, the iPhone 18 Pro series appears to be shaping up as another significant hardware update. As with all leaks, however, the final specifications will only become clear once Apple officially unveils the devices.Rumoured iPhone 18 Pro hardware changesFeatureLeaked DetailsUS modelsQualcomm modemInternational modelsApple C2 modemReason for Qualcomm in USmmWave 5G supportMain cameraNew Sony IMX905 sensor (reported)Camera sensor ID0x905China modelseSIM support tippedFrequently Asked QuestionsQ1. Why would Apple be using different modem vendors for the same iPhone line?According to the leaks, the company could customise the modem to match network requirements for the area, keeping Qualcomm in the markets where mmWave 5G capabilities are necessary and using Apple’s C2 modem in other regions.Q2. Can the aforementioned modem segregation impact the user experience?In most cases, it will not have an effect since it mostly concerns network connectivity. Specifically, it concerns areas that use mmWave 5G.Q3. What can be inferred from Apple's decision to use C2 modem?This implies that Apple is slowly incorporating its modem technology while still using Qualcomm in places where their modem does not have support for all necessary networks.Q4. What else apart from the modem is reportedly being changed in the iPhone 18 Pro?The leaked documents also reveal a new primary camera sensor, which previous rumours claim may include a variable aperture camera.end of article