On Apple’s technical specifications page for the new models, the iPhone 18 Pro lists Apple’s C2 modem, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max lists no modem at all in the U.S.
iPhone 18 Pro modem listing vs Pro Max in the U.S.
Both models include N1, an Apple-designed wireless networking chip that enables Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, and Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro introduces C2, the company’s next-generation cellular modem system with AI-powered improvements to cellular quality and reliability.
The omission of a C2 mention for the Pro Max could be a simple error, but the Pro and Pro Max model numbers also show different LTE band listings: the U.S. Pro specification list includes Band 106, which does not appear on the Pro Max list.
It is not known why Apple would equip the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max with different modems. Pre-launch rumors suggested some devices might continue to use Qualcomm modems, and Apple is also using the C2 modem in the iPhone Duo, so supply issues are a possibility.
Apple appears to list the C2 modem for both the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max outside of the U.S., so the split in modem listing may be U.S.-only.
The C2 modem supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G; Apple says it includes AI improvements to cellular quality and reliability. Apple also states C2 is faster and more energy efficient than the C1X modem, but it is not yet clear how the C2 compares to any Qualcomm modem that may be used in the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The new iPhone 18 Pro models will go on sale on September 18, with preorders beginning September 12. Pricing starts at $1,199 for the iPhone 18 Pro and $1,299 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
