Apple Releases iOS 18.5 with Critical Fix for First-Gen 5G Modem Chip
May 13 — Apple today rolled out the iOS 18.5 update, addressing the first security flaw in its in-house 5G modem, the C1. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-31214, could have allowed attackers with privileged network access to intercept traffic, enabling surveillance or man-in-the-middle attacks. Apple resolved the issue by improving state management.
The C1 chip debuted in the iPhone 16e, marking a major step in Apple’s push to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. The chip combines a 5G modem and FR1 RF transceiver, boosting power efficiency by up to 25% and using a 7nm process (compared to Qualcomm’s 14nm SDR875). Analysts at TechInsights note that the C1 gives Apple over two years to refine its 5G modem technology, potentially eliminating Qualcomm dependency by 2027.
Other Fixes in iOS 18.5
The update also patches 31 additional vulnerabilities, including issues in:
- Image processing
- Call history
- Bluetooth
- FaceTime
- WebKit
Apple continues to prioritize security and performance as it transitions to fully in-house modem solutions. Stay tuned for further updates.
May 13 — Apple today rolled out the iOS 18.5 update, addressing the first security flaw in its in-house 5G modem, the C1. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-31214, could have allowed attackers with privileged network access to intercept traffic, enabling surveillance or man-in-the-middle attacks. Apple resolved the issue by improving state management.
The C1 chip debuted in the iPhone 16e, marking a major step in Apple’s push to reduce reliance on Qualcomm. The chip combines a 5G modem and FR1 RF transceiver, boosting power efficiency by up to 25% and using a 7nm process (compared to Qualcomm’s 14nm SDR875). Analysts at TechInsights note that the C1 gives Apple over two years to refine its 5G modem technology, potentially eliminating Qualcomm dependency by 2027.
Other Fixes in iOS 18.5
The update also patches 31 additional vulnerabilities, including issues in:
- Image processing
- Call history
- Bluetooth
- FaceTime
- WebKit
Apple continues to prioritize security and performance as it transitions to fully in-house modem solutions. Stay tuned for further updates.
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