Apple’s Ambitious Shift to In-House Communication Hardware
Apple is actively seeking to enhance its control over the technology that powers its devices. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently reported that the tech giant intends to incorporate its proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips into the upcoming iPhone 17 series, scheduled for release in the second half of 2025. This move marks a significant step towards full reliance on in-house communication technologies within three years.
Current Technology Landscape
The latest iPhone 16 series, which showcases Apple’s A18 and A18 Pro System on Chips (SoCs), still utilizes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components sourced from Broadcom. Kuo emphasizes this current dependency, stating that Apple receives over 300 million Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips annually from Broadcom. However, this reliance is set to diminish dramatically as new product developments unfold.
Broadcom currently supplies over 300 million Wi-Fi+BT chips (hereafter referred to as Wi-Fi chips) per year to Apple. However, Apple will rapidly reduce its reliance on Broadcom. With new products in 2H25 (e.g., iPhone 17), Apple plans to use its own Wi-Fi chips, which will be…
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) October 31, 2024
Looking Ahead: iPhone 17 and Beyond
According to Kuo, the iPhone 17 series is expected to feature chips designed by Apple and potentially manufactured by its longstanding partner, TSMC, utilizing the N7 fabrication process. The new communication hardware is poised to support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard, which would translate to enhanced speed and reduced latency for users.
Starting from 2H25, both Apple’s 5G and Wi-Fi chips will gradually be used in new products simultaneously. However, since these are two different chips (using different TSMC processes), the early switch-over timelines will differ due to separate production schedules. For example,…
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) October 31, 2024
What to Expect in Future Models
While Kuo has not specified which devices will first receive the new Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips, it is likely that we may see their debut in products such as the Apple Watch, iPad, or even the iPhone SE 4, ahead of the iPhone 17.
In summary, Apple’s transition to its in-house communication hardware is not only a strategic move to bolster its market presence but also a step towards greater innovation in its product ecosystem.
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