Until now, satellite connectivity in iPhones has focused on low-bandwidth emergency tools, including satellite SOS (2022) and satellite messaging (2024).
But with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple may revolutionize smartphone-satellite connectivity in a way no Android manufacturer has before, by introducing 5G satellite technology.
Over the weekend, the YouTube channel Front Page Tech posted a video about the iPhone 18 Pro’s design. The video focuses on the punch-hole camera in the upper left corner of the screen, as well as the Face ID module with its “structured light” technology located below the screen (next to the camera cutout).
From Emergency Messaging to Real-World Communication
Alongside showing some illustrative images of the phone, the YouTube channel highlighted a revolutionary feature coming to this year’s iPhone Pro models: 5G satellite technology.
Shortly after, Korean leaker @yuex1122 posted about the same feature on Naver, stating that “the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be the first smartphone to support satellite 5G.”
Since this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about this feature, the likelihood of the rumored iPhones having it is quite high. But what exactly is satellite 5G, and how does it differ from the existing SOS and satellite messaging features on iPhones?
This feature enables iPhones to access non-terrestrial 5G networks (NTN) directly via satellites in low Earth orbit using Apple’s new C2 modem (which is supposed to be capable of handling both terrestrial and satellite networks).
While satellite SOS and satellite messaging only offer limited bandwidth over NTN networks (around kilobits per second; capable of sending and receiving text messages), satellite 5G is expected to provide high-speed internet access in areas without cellular coverage. The bandwidth should be sufficient for voice calls, high-resolution photo sharing, and even video streaming. However, none of the sources addressed how Apple will implement this feature on iPhones, whether it will remain free (which is highly unlikely), or which carriers will be compatible.
While more information about this feature is expected to surface online soon, one thing is clear: 5G satellite technology is revolutionary and will give the iPhone 18 Pro models a significant competitive advantage over other flagship Android phones available in the US market in September 2026.
