Apple is rumored to have a next-generation C2 chip that comes in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, moving away from the Qualcomm 5G modem found in the iPhone 17 Pro. Here are three new advantages that the Apple-designed modem will bring.
#1: Improve battery efficiency
Power efficiency has been a consistent advantage of Apple’s C1 and C1X cellular modems. And we expect this trend to continue with the new C2 chip.
Because of the tight integration between iOS and Apple’s silicon, Apple is able to extend mobile battery life beyond what Qualcomm’s modems offer.
How big benefits can C2 enable? It’s hard to know. While Apple credits the C1 and C1X with battery life gains over the iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and M5 iPad Pro, the company hasn’t shared specific numbers to date.
The iPhone 18 Pro is already expected to have one even bigger battery this year than the iPhone 17 Pro, and the C2 chip should push earnings even further.
#2: Limit Precise Location Privacy Feature
iOS 26.3 only GOINGand while it’s fairly light on new features, one extension is exclusive to devices with an Apple-designed modem.
‘Limit exact location’ is a new setting which allows you to keep your location a little more private from your carrier.
From Apple official documentation:
Mobile networks can determine your location based on which cell towers your device connects to. Setting the boundary location correctly increases the privacy of your location by reducing the accuracy of location data available to mobile networks.
With this setting enabled, some information available for mobile networks is limited. As a result, they may only be able to determine a less precise location – for example, the neighborhood where your device is located, rather than a more precise location (such as a street address). The setting does not affect signal quality or user experience.
Currently, only iPhone Air, iPhone 16e and iPad Pro with M5 support the feature. But since the iPhone 18 Pro will add an Apple C2 modem, it will join this list.
#3: Better performance on difficult data points
Another advantage offered by Apple-designed modems like the upcoming C2 is that they can provide improved performance when you’re in a spotty coverage situation.
For example, Apple said Reuters that “if an iPhone encounters congested data networks, the phone’s processor can signal to the modem which traffic is more time-sensitive and put it ahead of other data transfers.”
What is the benefit? From the user’s perspective, the iPhone is able to feel more responsive and less affected by overclocking. This is only possible thanks to the tight integration between Apple’s Class A processor and its Class C modem.
Which of the advantages of C2 on the iPhone 18 Pro are you most looking forward to? Tell us in the comments.
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