In summary:
- Macworld reports that future iPhones could get full satellite internet connectivity, apart from the current emergency SOS feature.
- The iPhone 18 Pro could support NR-NTN technology via Apple’s C2 modem, enabling global internet access independent of cell towers.
- Multiple reliable leaks and sources, including The Information and Bloomberg, confirm Apple’s plans for broader satellite connectivity options.
The iPhone was one of the first phones to regain satellite connectivity with the launch of the iPhone 14 in 2022, but this feature was mainly intended as a stopgap measure. Break a leg or run out of water while hiking in the wilderness, and emergency SOS can save your life, but it didn’t help much when surfing social media. But a more accessible, general-use satellite feature could come to the iPhone as soon as this year.
In a Weibo post this week (via AppleInsider), Leaker Fixed Focus Digital predicts that Apple’s C2 modem (expected to debut this fall alongside the A20 processor in the iPhone 18 Pro) “will support NR-NTN this year.” This stands for New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks and refers to a technology that can connect smartphones to the internet via satellites in low orbit. This would mean that you can access a 5G internet connection almost anywhere in the world, regardless of the distance to a cell tower.
“Huawei stated that it conducted public testing late last year and progress in China is currently slower, but there will be good news this year, so stay tuned,” Fixed Focus added.
“From this perspective, 2026 appears to be a starting point for satellite internet access for several mobile phone manufacturers.” And what is important to us also applies to Apple.
Although leaks on the social network Weibo are not always the most reliable, Fixed Focus is one of the more reputable names. They correctly predicted in August that the iPhone Air would ship with an A19 Pro processor instead of an A19, and as early as April 2025 predicted an early 2026 launch of the iPhone 17e, which now seems extremely likely.
Moreover, this is not a new rumor. Last October, The Information reported that Apple had plans to “support 5G networks that are not connected to the Earth’s surface” to “give the iPhone full internet access via satellite.” And in November, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirmed The Information’s theory, agreeing that the next-generation iPhone would offer broader 5G NTN support.
At the time, there were some doubts about the available infrastructure, as 5G coverage lagged behind the availability of 5G phones in 2020. It was not clear who would provide the satellite service, even though the latest iPhones had the hardware to support it. But based on Fixed Focus’ optimism, it appears that progress is being made on that front.
For all the latest news and rumors, bookmark our regularly updated iPhone 18 megaguide. And if you can’t wait until fall, make sure you get the best price on current models with our round-up of the best iPhone deals.
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