Apple Says iPhone 18 Pro Max Sold in U.S. Differs in One Way
Apple has updated its technical specifications to reveal that the iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in the United States uses a Qualcomm modem instead of its new C2 chip. This distinction applies only to the U.S. market, as the iPhone 18 Pro and other international versions of the Pro Max are equipped with the C2 modem. The decision is speculated to be a way to honor an existing supply agreement with Qualcomm through 2026 while Apple continues its transition to in-house cellular technology.
- ▪Apple's updated tech specs indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses a Qualcomm modem exclusively in the U.S., while the rest of the world receives the C2 modem.
- ▪iOS 27 code analysis suggests the U.S. version likely contains a Snapdragon X85 modem, which supports mmWave 5G similar to the new C2 chip.
- ▪Apple's C2 modem offers faster uploads and 15% lower energy consumption compared to the previous C1X generation.
- ▪Qualcomm had a contract to supply Apple with modems through 2026, which may explain the continued use of its chips in specific U.S. models.
- ▪The iPhone 18 Pro is equipped with the C2 modem globally, marking a significant step in Apple's move away from external modem suppliers.
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Apple Says iPhone 18 Pro Max Sold in U.S. Differs in One WaySaturday September 12, 2026 3:27 pm PDT by Joe RossignolAs noted by Nicolas Lellouche, who writes for the French tech website Numerama, Apple has updated its tech specs pages for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to clarify which models are equipped with its new C2 cellular modem and where. Apple now says the iPhone 18 Pro has a C2 modem worldwide, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the chip in every country except for the U.S. According to a tipster known as @itspdfu, who has been digging through Apple's software updates in recent weeks, iOS 27 code reveals that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is equipped with a Qualcomm modem instead of the C2 chip in the U.S.
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