Apple is reportedly planning major upgrades to satellite connectivity in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup. To recall, satellite features first arrived with the iPhone 14 in 2022 and were mainly designed for emergency situations. However, the iPhone 18 Pro and a possible iPhone Ultra model may turn satellite connectivity into a feature users can rely on more regularly during everyday travel, poor network coverage or remote-area use.
The new models could support advanced 5G satellite technology that may allow users to stay connected even when regular cellular coverage is weak, according to a recent report by 9to5Mac.
The company may unveil Pro models – iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max along with its first foldable iPhone during the fall event, according to reports. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to be the most expensive phone under the iPhone 18 series offering high-end cameras, processor and battery. The 2026 iPhone Pro models may be offered in new colour options that may include Silver, Light Blue, Dark Cherry and Dark Gray, according to online leaks. Apple’s new A20 Pro chip, which will be the company’s first processor manufactured using a 2nm process, is expected to power the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Additionally, the chip will employ “Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module” (WMCM) packaging, making it more compact and powerful. As per the report, Apple’s next-generation flagship iPhones may use a new C2 modem that supports both standard 5G connectivity and satellite communication. The rumored modem is expected to support a technology called 5G NR-NTN, short for “New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks. This system combines satellite communication with traditional 5G networks. The smartphone is also rumoured to come with major design changes that may include a small dynamic island. On the camera front, reports suggest Apple could introduce a mechanical iris system, allowing the camera to adjust how much light it takes in. This may help improve low-light photos, portraits and natural background blur.