Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may come with major satellite connectivity upgrade: Report

Apple is reportedly planning major upgrades to satellite connectivity in the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro lineup. According to a recent report by 9to5Mac, the new models could support advanced 5G satellite technology that may allow users to stay connected even when regular cellular coverage is weak. 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.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.One of the biggest expected improvements is that users may no longer need to manually point their iPhone toward the sky to connect to a satellite. Instead, the phone could automatically switch to satellite connectivity when cellular signals become weak.Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously suggested that Apple wants users to remain connected even when their iPhone is inside a pocket, a car or indoors. If the new technology works as expected, satellite support on the iPhone 18 Pro could become useful not only during emergencies but also in everyday situations where mobile coverage is unreliable.According to reports, the company may unveil Pro models - iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max along with its first foldable iPhone during the fall event. 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 smartphone is also rumoured to come with major design changes that may include a small dynamic island.According to online leaks, the 2026 iPhone Pro models may be offered in new colour options that may include Silver, Light Blue, Dark Cherry and Dark Gray. 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. 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.