IPhone 18 Pro Will Debut With Apple's Second Generation Modem In 2026

The iPhone 18 Pro will launch in 2026. (photo: x @JohnSmit0001)

JAKARTA - Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to introduce a second-generation in-house (self-made) modem with the iPhone 18 Pro by 2026.

This increase can result in better battery life, closer hardware and software optimization, as well as cost savings as Apple reduces its dependence on Qualcomm.

Apple is a company known to want to be as independent as possible. This is why they are involved in as many hardware components as possible, ensuring that everything works smoothly and efficiently with its software.

The public has seen this in components such as the iPhone-brained A-series chipset, and earlier this year, Apple debuted its own C1 modem with the iPhone 16e. Now, a new report from Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shows that Apple can bring a more advanced modem to the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple will continue to use Qualcomm modem for the iPhone 17 lineup this year. This is because modem C1 is Apple's first attempt to create a modem. The modem is functional, but not yet arguably the best. That's why Apple only embeds it on the more affordable iPhone 16e instead of using it for its main flagship series.

However, Gurman claims that Apple will introduce a second-generation modem in the iPhone 18 Pro lineup by 2026, and this could be good news for several reasons.

First, the use of a modem made by Apple itself can mean better battery life. While modem C1 is not the best, this modem has succeeded in making the iPhone 16e more efficient, leading to longer battery life. We can only assume that an increase that comes in the second generation modem can produce even more efficient battery life.

In addition, as mentioned, it has greater control over its hardware means that Apple has the luxury of perfecting and optimizing all products to work faster and more efficiently. There is also potential benefits from reducing costs. Buying components from other parties may be easier, but that also means letting other parties dictate prices.

Apple may face higher initial costs during its modem development, but this could pay off over the long term. Don't forget the rates from the Trump era. With Apple expected to continue to rely on imports in the near future, any way to reduce overall costs will help keep iPhone prices in the future low, or at least within reasonable range.

IPhone Strategy Change In 2026

In addition to the use of modem C2, maybe that's not all Apple plans for next year. A recent report shows Apple can change its launch strategy. The company may miss the launch of the standard version of the iPhone 18 by 2026. Instead, the company plans to launch in two stages.

The first half of the year will be filled with the launch of a new iPhone "e" series by Apple. Then in the second half, Apple will launch the iPhone 18 Air, Pro, and Pro Max models. The standard version of the iPhone 18 is expected to return in the first half of 2027.