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iPhone 18 Pro Max still uses a Qualcomm modem in the US, teardown confirms
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- TechInsights' teardown reveals that the U.S. version of the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem, unlike other countries where it uses Apple's in-house C2 modem.
- Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Duo models use the Apple C2 modem, which offers AI-powered improvements, faster uploads, 15% less energy consumption compared to the C1X, and supports mmWave 5G.
- The Qualcomm Snapdragon X80 modem has been used in previous U.S. iPhone models, including the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, indicating Apple's gradual transition to its own modem technology is still incomplete in the U.S. market.
- Apple has not officially explained why the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the U.S. retains the Qualcomm modem, but it is likely due to contractual obligations, with a full switch to Apple modems expected in the future.
- Apple’s C-series modems are noted for better power efficiency than Qualcomm’s, which may be more significant to users than peak speed differences.
