It appears that Apple is an inch away from relying more heavily on its indigenous hardware, and the leaks of the new internal software references are offering an early glimpse into how that shift could play out in upcoming iPhones. The recently surfaced code linked to Apple’s internal testing suggests that the iPhone 17e may debut with a homegrown cellular component, marking another step away from third-party suppliers. At the same time, some online reports also show uncertainty around the hardware choices planned for future Pro models. While Apple has not officially confirmed any details, these early signs point to a period of transition as the company fine-tunes its long-term strategy for wireless connectivity across its smartphone lineup.

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Apple’s shift toward in-house modem technology

The rumours originated from internal macOS system files that were accessible before Apple removed them. Within this code there were references to the future of the newer iPhone models, revealing which internal components were being tested. According to the leaked files, the iPhone 17e is linked to Apple’s C1 series cellular modem. This would make it one of the first iPhones to rely on a fully Apple-designed solution for mobile network connectivity.

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iPhone 17e: Modem and hardware details

Interestingly, the same references show that the iPhone 17e does not include Apple’s N1 wireless chip. This detail stands out because the N1 chip supports certain short-range networking features that Apple has been gradually expanding across its products. Its absence could mean the iPhone 17e may miss out on some connectivity options that are available on higher-end models.

The code suggests the device may support either the C1 or the improved C1X version of the modem. However, a separate report claims Apple is leaning toward using the C1X, which would offer better performance than the version found in the iPhone 16e. If accurate, the report would indicate that Apple plans to steadily refine its own technology with each new release, even in more affordable models.

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iPhone 18 Pro: Modem and connectivity features

When it comes to the upcoming iPhone Pro model, the picture is less clear. Internal information shows that Apple is testing two different components, called C1X and C2, for the iPhone 18 Pro. This means Apple hasn’t chosen which one to use yet. That’s normal at an early stage, since the company is still testing and improving its designs. Unlike the iPhone 17e, the Pro models are still expected to include the N1 wireless chip, so they will keep their full connectivity features.

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iPhone 18 Pro and 17e: Launch timeline and price

Apple is most likely to launch the iPhone 17e in the first half of 2026, possibly around May. While it’s expected that iPhone 18 Pro will be launched around September 2026. As far as the pricing is concerned, it appears that the iPhone 17e is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 60,000. While on the other hand, Apple is expected to launch its iPhone 18 Pro with a hefty price tag of Rs 1,54,900.

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Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile