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Gurman Reports: 2025 New Apple TV, HomePod Mini To Use Apple Networking Chip, iOS 18 Gradual Rollout Delays iOS 19 Plans

Highlights

Apple is working on updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models with its new custom wireless chip.
The Proxima chip will initially be used in home devices and later expand to iPhones, iPads and Macs.
Ongoing focus on iOS 18 is causing delays in iOS 19 development.

Caption – HomePod mini planned for 2025 to feature Apple’s custom wireless chip. (Image credit – Apple)

Apple is focused on being self-sufficient while reducing dependency on other companies for components. In a recent Bloomberg report, Mark Gurman revealed that the company is working on updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models to feature Apple’s new custom wireless chip. This means Apple Broadcom chips are currently used for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with its in-house replacements. Both Apple TV and HomePad Mini are set for 2025 launch as per the latest update.

The new chip is internally called Proxima and has been in development for years. Manufactured by TSMC, it marks another step in Apple’s strategy to reduce dependence on third-party suppliers.

As per reports, the rollout will start with the updated home devices and expand to iPhones later in 2025, followed by iPads and Macs in 2026.

This chip replacement plan comes at a time when Apple is already in the middle of transitioning away from Qualcomm modems. Experts believe the two custom chips are designed to complement each other and will create a more seamless plus energy-efficient ecosystem for Apple’s products.

The Proxima chip will support Wi-Fi 6E promising faster speeds and better bandwidth. It will play a significant role in Apple’s smart home strategy in 2025, which includes an AI-powered home hub and a standalone security camera. These categories of products will need faster and more integrated wireless connectivity.

Even though Apple is focusing on self-sufficiency, Broadcom is believed to remain a part of Apple’s plans in other areas. Reports suggest the two companies are developing Apple’s first server chip designed for AI processing. This could play a role in Apple’s future plans for an AI-driven version of Siri, which can launch as early as 2026.

iOS 19 Development Faces Delays Due to iOS 18 Gradual Rollout

Caption – iOS 18.3 Beta is expected to be released soon. (Image credit – Apple)

Meanwhile, Gurman also touched a completely different nerve in a post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding Apple’s iOS release calendar. Turns out, Apple’s ongoing focus on iOS 18 is reportedly causing delays in iOS 19 development.

Gurman notes that the gradual rollout of iOS 18 features, from its initial launch to the packed 18.1 and 18.2 updates, has tied up engineering resources.

“Engineers are stuck working on iOS 18 projects when they’d usually already be on to the following OS,” he wrote on X.

I continue to hear that the gradual rollout of features across iOS 18 to iOS 18.4 is leading to delays of some features scheduled for iOS 19. That will lead to a long term rollout of features next cycle as well. Engineers are stuck working on iOS 18 projects when they’d usually…

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 12, 2024

iOS 18 has been a major release with many significant AI features introduced in 18.1 and even more updates in the recent 18.2 release. There are still two significant updates lined up – 18.3 and 18.4, both expected to be out before April 2024.

FAQS

Q1. What new products is Apple planning to launch with its custom wireless chip in 2025?

Answer. Apple plans to launch updated Apple TV and HomePod mini models featuring its new custom wireless chip, Proxima, in 2025.

Q2. How does the Proxima chip enhance Apple’s smart home strategy?

Answer. The Proxima chip supports Wi-Fi 6E, promising faster speeds and better bandwidth, which will be crucial for Apple’s AI-powered home hub and standalone security camera.

Q3. Why is iOS 19 development delayed?

Answer. iOS 19 development is delayed due to the ongoing focus on iOS 18, with significant updates in versions 18.1 and 18.2 tying up engineering resources.