A ransomware attack on Tata Electronics, one of Apple's manufacturing partners in India, has resulted in over 200,000 internal files being posted online. The stolen data includes component lists, supplier information, and images of iPhone 18 Pro test units. The leak, obtained illegally, offers an unprecedented look at the upcoming flagship's specifications.
Ransomware hits Tata Electronics: over 200,000 files leaked
The incident involved Tata Electronics, a key Apple manufacturer in India. The leaked files include bills of materials, prototype photos, and modem details. According to the leaks, Apple's C2 modem will be limited to international models, while the US variant will use Qualcomm components, including the SDX80M chip for mmWave 5G support. This technology, absent from Apple's C-series modems, remains crucial for US carrier networks built on millimeter-wave frequencies.
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C2 modem for international only: Qualcomm dominates in the US
The bill of materials for the US market lists Qualcomm chips, marking a substantial difference from international models. The C2 modem succeeds the C1 and C1X used in the iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, and M5 iPad Pro. This choice reflects Apple's ongoing challenges in replicating mmWave support with its own modems, forcing the company to maintain its partnership with Qualcomm for the American market. The strategy raises questions about Apple's future independence from external suppliers.
Dark Cherry and variable aperture camera: design and photo upgrades
Leaked images show a more uniform rear finish compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's two-tone design, with camera lenses protruding further from the plateau. A leaked SIM tray confirms the new Dark Cherry color option, joining Light Blue, Dark Gray, and Silver. No black model is expected this year. On the camera front, the headline upgrade is a variable aperture main lens, though it may not match the generational leaps of the 8x telephoto on the iPhone 17 Pro or the 48-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 14 Pro.
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Price hike: up to $1,399 for the Pro
Estimates point to a starting price as high as $1,399 for the iPhone 18 Pro, up from $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro. The increase is weighed against a modest RAM and battery bump, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a more powerful N2 chip. Apple has already raised prices across its lineup, citing a global memory chip shortage driven by AI data center demand. The hikes drew criticism, especially for older products like Apple TV and HomePod with no hardware changes. A rumored 5G-via-satellite feature will likely offer limited access to services like Siri or Maps, not full Safari browsing. To further explore price trends in the smartphone market, check out the leaked Galaxy Z Fold 8 prices showing a competitive landscape. According to Micron, Apple's aggressive supplier negotiating tactics may have contributed to the memory shortage. For more on ransomware attacks, see the Wikipedia article on ransomware.
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Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/03/the-macrumors-show-latest-iphone-18-pro-rumors
