iPhone 17e and iPhone 18 Pro Modem Specs Leak Online

Apple's internal code suggests the iPhone 17e may ship with Apple's first-generation C1-series cellular modem technology, while omitting Apple's N1 wireless chip, and it indicates Apple is still deciding between the C1X and C2 for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple 5G Modem Feature
These details came from a version of a Kernel Debut Kit for macOS that was not supposed to be released to the public — it was later pulled by Apple.

For the ‌iPhone‌ 17e, the code showed the device may be equipped with either the C1 or C1X modem, but no N1 wireless chip. The Information today reported that the device will use the C1X modem, which would be a natural progression over the C1 chip in the iPhone 16e.

The omission of the N1 wireless chip may be consequential, since without N1 the ‌iPhone‌ 17e may lack Thread support, even if it uses an Apple-designed cellular baseband.

For Apple's next Pro iPhones, the internal code points to a less settled picture. The ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro is listed in separate rows with both C1X and C2 basebands, indicating Apple had not fully committed to the C2 across all configurations at the time the kernel debug kit was created. Apple seemingly intends N1 to be present on in the Pro models even while the baseband choice was still being evaluated.

Since this information was sourced from Apple's internal code, there is no guarantee these are the finalized specs. The ‌iPhone‌ 17e is expected to launch in the spring of 2026, while the ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro and ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max are expected to launch in the fall.

Related Roundups: iPhone 16e, iPhone 18
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

zenmacx Avatar
2 weeks ago

I wish we could get a 17e Mini
I concur.

As much as I enjoy my basic 16e, I would greatly prefer a 17e Mini.

Hello Apple?
We want an iPhone 17e Mini.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wanted797 Avatar
2 weeks ago

I concur.

As much as I enjoy my basic 16e, I would greatly prefer a 17e Mini.

Hello Apple?
We want an iPhone 17e Mini.
I also concur.

Still using the 13 mini. I don’t want to give it up. They makes new one I’d be tempted too very soon.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Hammerd Avatar
2 weeks ago
I’d rather have a Qualcomm x85
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
turbineseaplane Avatar
2 weeks ago
I wish we could get a 17e Mini
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jntdroid Avatar
2 weeks ago

I’d rather have a Qualcomm x85
I don't know - the C1 in the 16e has been very solid, and definitely helps with the battery. It's not as fast in top speeds, but it seems to be just as (if not more) reliable in weak areas, and if it's more battery efficient on top of that, I'll take it. I don't care if I'm getting 80gb down vs 40gb down... Obviously the X85 could improve in efficiency as well, but the C line is solid so far.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SmugMaverick Avatar
2 weeks ago
I won't buy an iPhone without the C1X or C2 now after using the Air, it's so much better in my area and nearby rural places that struggled to even get 4G before.

My 15-17 Pros have been dog do do where I am, very impressed with the C1X ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)