iPhone 18 Pro may debut Apple’s own cellular chip, report says
▼ Summary
– Qualcomm’s CEO stated that revenue from Apple products will decline faster starting in Q4, with its share of components in the next iPhone launch dropping well below an earlier estimate of 20%.
– This earnings hint suggests Qualcomm modems may have minimal presence in the upcoming fall iPhone lineup, implying the iPhone 18 Pro will likely use Apple’s next-gen C2 chip.
– The fall iPhone lineup is expected to include three models, including an iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra, with rumors pointing to the C2 chip replacing Qualcomm across the board.
– Leaked files from the Tata cyberattack suggested a split approach, with C2 in most regions but Qualcomm in the US, but recent evidence may render this outdated or incomplete.
– The author expresses preference for Apple-designed modems due to their advantages, and is hopeful the iPhone 18 Pro will feature the C2 chip even in the US.
Apple’s long-running reliance on Qualcomm for iPhone cellular modems appears to be nearing its end. New signals suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could make a decisive shift to an in-house Apple-designed chip, a move that would reshape the company’s supply chain and its relationship with one of its most prominent partners.
For years, Qualcomm has served as the primary modem supplier for iPhones, but the writing has been on the wall for a potential split. Apple has already begun integrating its own cellular silicon into select models, such as the C1X chip, while the majority of its devices still depend on Qualcomm hardware. The transition, however, may accelerate significantly this fall.
Rumors have circulated for months that the iPhone 18 Pro and the anticipated iPhone Ultra would feature Apple’s next-generation C2 modem. If those reports hold true, the entire fall lineup could operate without a single Qualcomm component, marking a historic shift for both tech giants.
That narrative was complicated by leaked documents from the Tata cyberattack, which hinted at a more cautious rollout. According to those files, Apple might adopt a hybrid strategy for the iPhone 18 Pro: deploying the C2 in most global markets while continuing to rely on Qualcomm in the United States. That approach would have been a compromise, but recent developments suggest it may no longer be necessary.
Qualcomm’s latest earnings call has cast fresh doubt on the idea that its modems will play a major role in Apple’s next generation of iPhones. During an interview with Reuters, CEO Cristiano Amon stated that revenue from Apple products is expected to decline more sharply starting in the fourth quarter, as supply constraints reduce Qualcomm’s share of components in the next iPhone launch to well below its earlier projection of 20 percent.
That language points toward a minimal Qualcomm presence in this fall’s devices. If the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were still slated to use Qualcomm modems in the US, it seems unlikely that the company would forecast such a steep drop-off. With only three new iPhone models expected this year, and one of them positioned as a premium option unlikely to drive massive volume, the math strongly suggests the iPhone 18 Pro will indeed abandon Qualcomm.
The leaked Tata files may simply reflect outdated plans or an incomplete picture of Apple’s final strategy. Either way, the momentum now appears to favor the C2 chip, even for US consumers who have long assumed Qualcomm would remain a fixture in their devices.
From a consumer perspective, an Apple-designed modem carries distinct advantages, including tighter integration with the company’s broader silicon ecosystem and potentially improved power efficiency. That makes the prospect of a C2-equipped iPhone 18 Pro an appealing one.
What’s your preference for the next iPhone’s modem? Would you rather see Apple’s own C2 technology or stick with Qualcomm’s proven hardware? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For those already planning an upgrade, here’s a look at some of the best iPhone accessories to pair with your next device.
(Source: 9to5Mac)
