Apple's rumored iPhone 18 Pro feature is cooler than its AI, expected this year

The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch this year with several tech specs upgrades and improvements in the camera zoom. Apple hasn't made a mark on the AI front, but the company is working to add something equally important, if not better.

A new post from Weibo-based leaker Fixed Focus Digital details upcoming satellite-powered 5G internet support for the iPhone 18 Pro, adding fuel to old rumors. The leaker said Apple's C2 modem will support NR-NTN, enabling the iPhone 18 Pro to access the internet directly via low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

NR-NTN stands for New Radio Non-Terrestrial Networks, a technology that enables direct satellite-to-device 5G connectivity for smartphones and provides backhaul for carriers in areas where traditional cell towers are scarce. The leaker expects positive developments in this area, noting that Huawei tested its implementation of the technology at the end of last year.

This isn't the first time that rumors of 5G satellite internet for iPhone have surfaced. It was reported that Apple is working on several satellite connectivity features, including Satellite over 5G, which allows cell towers to utilize satellite infrastructure to increase coverage.

The iPhone-maker may allow users to send photos via the Messages app using satellite connectivity. It's developing a satellite framework for third-party apps and satellite-powered Apple Maps to operate without cellular or Wi-Fi access.

Apple is also trying to figure out how people can use their smartphones naturally with satellite connectivity, so they don't have to point their devices toward the sky to establish a connection. All of these expected updates will build on the existing features, such as Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Back in 2015, Apple had reportedly considered launching its own satellite service for iPhones and homes in collaboration with Boeing. While the internal talks didn't come to fruition, the iPhone does have direct-to-cell satellite coverage, but it's limited to text messages only.

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Posted Thursday 12 February 2026 at 4:31 am AEST (my time).

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