Apple is expected to make a significant connectivity update to the iPhone 18.

Next year’s iPhone 18 Pro was already rumored to get a seemingly small upgrade that could have an outsized impact.

In September 2025, Apple VP of Wireless Software Technologies and Ecosystems Arun Mathias stated that the company was focused on the iPhone Air, in addition to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro, adding that Apple cellular solutions would be seen in more products in the future.

Apple has already incorporated its own C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, moving away from Qualcomm modems. While Samsung supplies cellular modems for the Pixel 10, the Galaxy S25 uses Qualcomm modems. This could change with the Galaxy S26 if Samsung uses the Exynos 2600.

The change may not be obvious to consumers unless there is a major technological improvement or problem. While the change is meaningful, it may not offer noticeable improvements for the typical iPhone user.

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