iPhone 18 Pro Max: What’s different about the Indian and US models?

Apple is expanding its iPhone manufacturing operations in India, with iPhone 18 Pro Max units assembled in the country reportedly being exported to international markets. However, buyers in the US may receive a version with a different cellular modem, according to the company’s updated specifications.

While the iPhone 18 Pro Max models sold outside the US use Apple’s new in-house C2 modem, the US variant reportedly relies on a Qualcomm modem. The smaller iPhone 18 Pro, meanwhile, is said to use Apple’s C2 modem worldwide.

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Apple has begun producing the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in India ahead of their global launch, with Foxconn and Tata Electronics reportedly involved in the manufacturing process.

The move marks a shift from previous Pro models, for which production in India began later in the product cycle. This time, India-made devices are reportedly intended for both domestic sales and exports to markets including the US and Europe.

The expansion further strengthens India’s role in Apple’s global supply chain as the company seeks to diversify production beyond China.

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iPhone 18 Pro Max Modem difference explained

Apple’s updated specifications indicate that the iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the C2 cellular modem in markets outside the US. The US model, however, retains a Qualcomm modem.

Apple has not officially confirmed the exact Qualcomm modem used in the US-bound iPhone 18 Pro Max. Recent reports suggest it could be Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X85.

The smaller iPhone 18 Pro differs from the Pro Max in this regard, as it reportedly uses Apple’s C2 modem across all markets.

Apple’s C2 modem represents the company’s latest effort to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm for cellular connectivity. It follows the C1 modem introduced with the iPhone 16e and the C1X used in the iPhone Air.

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According to Apple, the C2 delivers faster upload speeds than the C1X while using 15 per cent less power. It also supports mmWave 5G in the US.

Apple has not publicly explained why the US iPhone 18 Pro Max continues to use Qualcomm hardware. Supply considerations, regulatory certification and market-specific network requirements could be possible factors, but none has been confirmed by the company.