Highlights
- Apple will introduce its own Wi-Fi chip in the iPhone 17 lineup replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips.
- Apple is working on in-house 5G modems (C1 chip) and Wi-Fi chips to reduce costs and improve device integration.
- The custom Wi-Fi chip will be reportedly used across the entire iPhone 17 lineup including iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
Caption – iPhone 17 Pro leaked renders. (Image credit – FPT on YouTube)
Apple just unveiled its C1 modem with the iPhone 16e but it appears that’s not the only new Apple-designed we will get to see this year. According to a new report, the iPhone 17 lineup will debut another in-house chip, this time for Wi-Fi connectivity. Here’s what we know so far.
Apple’s Wi-Fi Chip to Replace Broadcom in iPhone 17 Series
Apple has been working on some major connectivity projects. One is the in-house 5G modems, which include the newly launched C1 chip and future C-series successors. The other connectivity project involves Wi-Fi chips, which is an in-house solution aimed at replacing third-party suppliers.
Popular supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shed some light on Apple’s in-house connectivity projects on X (formerly Twitter). Kuo writes. “Following Qualcomm, Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips will also be replaced by Apple’s in-house chips at a faster pace. My latest industry survey indicates that all new 2H25 iPhone 17 models will feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chips (vs. only the slim iPhone 17 will adopt Apple’s C1 modem chip). Beyond cost reduction, the switch to in-house Wi-Fi chips will enhance connectivity across Apple devices.”
Following Qualcomm, Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips will also be replaced by Apple’s in-house chips at a faster pace. My latest industry survey indicates that all new 2H25 iPhone 17 models will feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chips (vs. only the slim iPhone 17 will adopt Apple’s C1 modem…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) February 20, 2025
Previous reports suggested that Apple’s custom Wi-Fi chip would be introduced in some iPhone 17 models, but the latest update suggests that it will now be used across the entire iPhone 17 lineup including the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. With this move, Apple will phase out Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips in its 2025 iPhones.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip will “enhance connectivity across Apple devices.” While details are still vague, this could mean better battery life similar to the C1 modem’s efficiency improvements and reliable Wi-Fi connections.
Launching its first-ever modem, Apple writes, “Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.”
Some reports indicate that we can expect even deeper optimisations in future Apple devices since Apple is now controlling both 5G and Wi-Fi chips.
FAQs
Q1. What is Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip for the iPhone 17 lineup?
Answer. Apple will introduce its own Wi-Fi chip in the iPhone 17 lineup, replacing Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips.
Q2. When will the new Apple Wi-Fi chip be available in iPhones?
Answer. The custom Wi-Fi chip will be used across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, starting in 2025.
Q3. What are the expected benefits of Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip?
Answer. The switch to in-house Wi-Fi chips will enhance connectivity across Apple devices and could mean better battery life and more reliable Wi-Fi connections.
Also Read: Apple Unveils Its First In-House 5G Modem C1 Chip, Replacing Qualcomm