The next Apple's iPhone Pro models could completely eliminate the dreaded “No Service” label altogether, as the phone maker is rumored to be planning a major leap in satellite connectivity. The breakthrough would come from Apple’s in-house C2 5G modem (via Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo), which is said to support NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks).
This technology would allow the iPhone 18 Pro models to treat low-Earth-orbit satellites like distant cell towers. In fact, the connection should even work indoors. Currently, you need to point your iPhone to the sky with a clear view of the horizon to send an SOS signal to the emergency services. But, when the C2 5G modem is potentially integrated into the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, the pointing device to the sky will be totally eliminated.
The new technology, if applied, will help in time of emergencies and of course, for everyday use cases. In addition to that, reliable internet access will be available in dead zones like seas while sailing, or hiking. The blog post that announced the development states that:
The use of low-Earth orbit satellites for direct internet access on mobile phones is a major highlight this year. Apple's C2 baseband will support NR-NTN this year.
Huawei stated that it conducted public testing at the end of last year, and progress in China is currently slower, but there will be good news this year, so keep an eye out.
From this perspective, 2026 appears to be a starting point for satellite internet access for various mobile phone manufacturers.
Notably, this is not the first time Apple is working on satellite connectivity. The company has been one of the pioneers back since 2022 when its launched the emergency SOS, that uses satellite features, on the iPhone 14. Despite the limitations, the emergency SOS has helped many people in remote area, where there's not cellular coverage, to stay connected through satellite connectivity.
But this time, if Apple could potentially integrates C2 baseband that supports NR-NTN on the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, thr emergency SOS feature will be elevated to a new height where users don't have to go out to see the sky before they could stay connected where there's no cellular coverage.
