iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to offer big improvements to satellite connectivity, potentially turning a niche feature for emergency situations into a daily asset for users.
Satellite connectivity has been part of the iPhone since 2022, when the iPhone 14 launched.
Apple has improved and expanded its satellite features over time, including with Messages via satellite in 2024.
But rumors indicate some bigger upgrades could be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra.
Apple’s new flagship iPhones are expected to include a C2 modem. And in addition to providing 5G cellular connectivity (replacing Qualcomm modems), C2 will also support 5G over satellite.
Specifically, C2 is said to offer 5G NR-NTN. This ‘New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks’ technology integrates satellite connectivity with 5G cellular.
Though we don’t yet know exactly what Apple’s implementation will be, one benefit of 5G NR-NTN is that users may not need to manually point their iPhone at a satellite anymore.
Instead, the new technology could enable iPhone 18 Pro to automatically fall back to a satellite connection when cell coverage is poor.
This lines up with previous reporting on Apple’s upcoming satellite-related improvements. Mark Gurman wrote at Bloomberg that Apple “aims to let users stay connected while their iPhone is in a pocket, car or even indoors.”
If iPhone 18 Pro makes satellite connectivity that easy and seamless, it could turn what’s currently a niche feature into an everyday benefit.
Apple’s current satellite features are great for life-threatening situations, but most users thankfully never need them.
With C2 in iPhone 18 Pro, 5G satellite connectivity might prove beneficial in the everyday, ordinary situations where cell coverage is poor.
How often might you benefit from automatic 5G satellite connectivity? Let us know in the comments.
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