Apple used its own C1X 5G modem only on the iPhone Air and continued relying on a Qualcomm modem for the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. Now, the company has all but confirmed that approach will change with the iPhone 18.
Apple plans to use its own cellular modems in more products
Apple’s long-term plan is to use its own cellular modems in more products, strongly suggesting that they’ll be in the iPhone 18 and the iPhone 18 Pro. The comment came from Arun Mathias, VP of Wireless Software Technologies and Ecosystems at Apple, during an interview with CNBC.
When asked about why the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max don’t have an Apple modem, Mathias responded that the company was focused on what it needed for the iPhone Air. He added that the other devices are also great products, but the company will use its own cellular solutions in more devices. Here’s his full answer:
Well, we were really focused on what we needed for iPhone Air, and we have great products with iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro as well. And over time, we will see Apple cellular solutions in more products.
Arun Mathias, Apple VP of Wireless Software Technologies and Ecosystems, September 2025
In line with the rumors
The iPhone Air uses Apple's own C1X 5G modem. | Image Credit - PhoneArena
Mathias’ answer wasn’t a surprise, as the early rumors about the iPhone 18 Pro have already claimed it’ll utilize Apple’s 5G modem. That would give Apple even more control over its phones, and it could lead to various improvements.
What cellular modem would you prefer on your next iPhone?
A Qualcomm one, they’ve been good for years
24.14%
An Apple one
29.66%
I don’t care if it works well
46.21%
Apple has already used its own C1 modem on the iPhone 16e, breaking from its reliance on Qualcomm’s modems. Interestingly enough, Samsung provides the cellular modems for the Pixel 10 devices, but its own Galaxy S25 relies on Qualcomm’s modems. That could change with the Galaxy S26, if Samsung really decides to use the Exynos 2600 in it.
Not exactly a headline feature
Apple should feel happy about breaking up with Qualcomm, but unless there’s a technological leap or failure, most users won’t notice any difference in connectivity. That doesn’t mean the change is meaningless. It just means that I would be surprised if it brings any noticeable improvements for the common iPhone user.
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Apple’s 2024 flagship is still nothing to snark at. It has all the same software features, about the same cameras, save for super-pro modes like ProRes RAW Log 2 recording. If that didn’t mean anything to you, you’ll feel perfectly fine with an iPhone 16 Pro in your hands. And you save about $200 on what is essentially an excellent device that’s still hard to beat. Item prices vary by condition, color, and availability.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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