The iPhone 18 series debuts with its self-developed C2 baseband: a replacement for Qualcomm.
Apple’s self-developed baseband C2, to be launched next year, will use TSMC’s 4nm process and will debut in the iPhone 18 series, replacing the existing Qualcomm solution.
In the first half of this year, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, which debuted its self-developed baseband C1. This is the first cellular modem designed by Apple, featuring fast and stable 5G network connectivity. The baseband chip uses a 4nm process, while the receiver uses a 7nm process, with both parts being manufactured by TSMC.
Next year, Apple will introduce the new C2 baseband, supporting 5G millimeter wave, which will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro series. Although the technology licensing agreement between Qualcomm and Apple remains in effect until 2027, with the launch of Apple’s self-developed baseband chip, Qualcomm’s market share in Apple’s modem market is expected to decrease significantly by 2026, potentially falling to 20%.
In addition, the A20 chip, which debuts in the iPhone 18 series, will be the first to use TSMC’s 2nm process, marking the official entry of the iPhone into the 2nm era.
Industry insiders point out that next year will be the first year of TSMC’s 2nm commercialization. Apple, Qualcomm, and MediaTek will all launch new products as soon as possible. Due to the tight supply of TSMC’s 2nm capacity, Apple has already reserved most of its capacity from TSMC, thereby widening the gap with its competitors.
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