iPhone 18 Pro could introduce new Apple solution for cellular, hints report

Key Points:

• The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to transition away from Qualcomm modems in favor of Apple's own next-generation C2 chip, marking a significant shift in Apple's modem strategy.
• While some rumors suggested a split approach using Qualcomm modems in the US and Apple’s C2 chip elsewhere, recent Qualcomm earnings indicate a sharp decline in Qualcomm components for the upcoming iPhone models.
• Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon stated that revenue from Apple products will decline more quickly starting in Q4 due to supply constraints, implying limited Qualcomm modem presence in the new iPhones.
• This suggests that the entire fall iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, may fully adopt Apple-designed modems, potentially ending Apple’s long-term reliance on Qualcomm for cellular chips.
• The change could bring advantages associated with Apple-designed modems, though some uncertainty remains due to conflicting leaked information.