Apple Ditches Broadcom: iPhone 17 Set to Feature In — House Wi — Fi Chip
- Apple’s going in-house with its new iPhone 17 Wi-Fi 7 chip—Broadcom’s out.
- Faster speeds, lower latency, more control. Apple’s cooking up a big upgrade.
- One chip to rule them all? Apple’s 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chip dreams are close to reality.
Ming-Chi Kuo, renowned Apple supply chain analyst, reports that Apple’s iPhone 17, set for launch next year, will feature a custom-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, a pivotal move towards in-house technology in the Wi-Fi arena.
Key Points:
In-House Wi-Fi 7 Chip for iPhone 17
- Apple’s iPhone 17 will likely debut with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip, manufactured with TSMC’s 7nm (N7) process. Apple aims to equip “nearly all” devices with this chip within three years, reducing dependence on Broadcom and cutting component costs.
Enhanced Connectivity Standards
- The in-house chip promises full Wi-Fi 7 support, enabling higher speeds, reduced latency, and enhanced reliability across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Wi-Fi 7 theoretically supports peak data transfer rates exceeding 40 Gbps, a fourfold increase over Wi-Fi 6E, with compatible routers.
Apple's highly-anticipated iPhone 17 is set to be unveiled by Apple in 2025.
Broader Implications for Apple’s Supply Chain
Currently, Apple sources Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips from Broadcom. However, Kuo’s forecast suggests Apple’s gradual shift to custom connectivity hardware could significantly reduce reliance on third-party suppliers.
"Apple expects to move nearly all products to in-house Wi-Fi chips within about three years,” Kuo remarks, noting that this transition aligns with Apple’s goal to enhance its ecosystem integration—a strategic move that may tighten hardware-software synergy across devices.
This move resonates with Apple’s previous efforts to bring more core technologies under its own roof, potentially fostering an even more cohesive user experience while lowering component expenses.
Photo via 4RMD // Pictured: A concept image of the iPhone 17. Apple's in-house 5G modem, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chipset has been rumored for years.
Apple’s Multi-Functional Connectivity Chip Plans
In addition to the Wi-Fi 7 upgrade, Apple is reportedly working on an in-house 5G chip, which could launch in the next-generation iPhone SE and potentially the iPhone 17 Air model. There’s speculation as to whether the Wi-Fi and 5G functions will merge into a single all-in-one chip or remain separate.
Filipe Espósito adds: "Codenamed ‘Centauri,’ [the new modem] is ambitious and will handle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 5G."
Expected Timeline and Product Expansion
Kuo hints that beyond the iPhone 17, this new Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip could appear in various other devices by late 2025, raising the question of whether other product lines—such as Apple Watches, iPads, or even Macs—might adopt Apple’s in-house connectivity chips.
Photo via MacRumors // One this is for certain—Apple fans around the world are waiting eagerly to see what Apple does next with its iconic iPhone line.
Analysis: A Strategic Move Towards a Self-Reliant Ecosystem
Apple’s move to in-house Wi-Fi and 5G technology isn't just about cutting costs; it’s about unifying the Apple ecosystem. Custom hardware could enable Apple to better control performance, security, and user experience across its product line. If Apple’s Wi-Fi 7 chip lives up to its promise of faster, more reliable wireless capabilities, users can expect smoother experiences across iPhones, iPads, and possibly even a new generation of Macs with improved connectivity.
As Kuo points out, this strategy will allow Apple to deliver tighter integration and optimize the connectivity experience for users while reducing dependency on third-party suppliers like Broadcom.
Stay tuned for updates as we track how Apple’s new in-house chips could reshape its product ecosystem.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 31st October, 2024.
