Apple Readies C2 Modem for iPhone 18 Pro, Adding 5G Satellite Links
Updated
Updated · Forbes · May 26
Apple Readies C2 Modem for iPhone 18 Pro, Adding 5G Satellite Links
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · May 26
Three expected devices — iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s foldable phone — are rumored to debut Apple’s C2 modem with 5G NR-NTN satellite support.
C2 would replace Qualcomm modems and let iPhones switch more seamlessly to satellite service when cellular coverage is weak, potentially without users manually pointing the phone at the sky.
That could broaden Apple’s current satellite features beyond emergency-style use, bringing more automatic off-grid connectivity through Globalstar across carriers rather than through carrier-specific add-ons like T-Mobile’s Starlink offering.
Apple now typically includes satellite access for 2 years after purchase, though it has extended that window for some earlier models, leaving the long-term pricing model still uncertain.
With Starlink promising data and voice, is Apple's messaging-first satellite strategy already falling behind its competitors?
Amazon's Globalstar takeover is set for 2027. Will Apple's satellite future now depend on its biggest rival?
Apple promises to end 'dead zones.' But what will be the true price for users when the free service ends?
Apple’s Satellite Strategy 2026-2027: $1.5B Investments, iPhone 18 Pro, and the Race for Global D2D Coverage
Overview
Apple has rapidly advanced its direct-to-device satellite strategy by building on its foundational partnership with Globalstar, investing up to $1.5 billion to expand satellite coverage and enable features like Emergency SOS on iPhones. This collaboration not only powered the 2022 launch of emergency satellite texting but also positioned Globalstar as a key player in Apple’s ecosystem. In 2026, Amazon’s Project Kuiper joined forces with Globalstar, integrating its satellites and expertise to boost Amazon’s own satellite network. These strategic moves highlight how Apple’s investments and partnerships are shaping the future of satellite connectivity for smartphones.