It’s a small revolution brewing behind the scenes at Apple: the upcoming iPhone 18 and 18 Pro will ditch Qualcomm’s 5G modems in favor of in-house developed components. A strategic decision that ends a long-standing dependency and ushers in a new era for the brand’s device connectivity.
For years, Apple cultivated a paradox: while its chips dominated the market, its iPhones relied on Qualcomm to connect to mobile networks. The first steps toward autonomy were cautiously taken with the iPhone 16 and the iPhone Air, equipped with the in-house C1X modem. But it is with the iPhone 18 that the true shift will take place, as confirmed by Arun Mathias, Apple’s head of wireless technologies.
A change with collateral benefits
his technical evolution might seem minor to users, but it represents a major challenge for Apple. By fully controlling the production chain, the Cupertino firm will be able to optimize the interaction between the modem and its A-series chips, potentially benefiting battery life and performance.
A valuable freedom at a time when 5G is becoming an essential selling point.
Apple is not alone on this path: Samsung is also reportedly preparing the return of its in-house Exynos modems for the Galaxy S26 lineup. This shows that the smartphone giants aim to regain control over a crucial technology. The question remains whether this technological battle will translate into noticeable differences for end users, with connection stability being the true measure of success.
