Apple’s Shift to In-House Modems and Wi-Fi Chips: A New Era for iPhone
Recently, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, marking a significant milestone as it is equipped with the company’s first in-house C1 modem. Traditionally reliant on Qualcomm for modem supplies, Apple is now taking strides towards self-sufficiency in modem technology. As Johny Srouji, Apple’s chipmaking chief, stated, this is merely the beginning of their transition.
Analyst Insights on the iPhone 17 Series
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided exciting updates, indicating that Apple may accelerate its transition to in-house modem technology sooner than expected. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo reported that the entire iPhone 17 lineup—including iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—is set to feature Apple-designed Wi-Fi chips.
Transition Timeline and Expectations
Initially, Kuo had anticipated that at least one model in the iPhone 17 series might adopt an in-house modem. However, the latest insights suggest a more comprehensive approach, with Apple set to replace Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips following its separation from Qualcomm with the iPhone 16e. This shift is expected to unfold over the next few years, significantly altering the landscape of iPhone technology.
Benefits of Apple’s In-House Chips
Currently, all iPhones, including the iPhone 16 series, rely on Broadcom for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Kuo’s latest analysis indicates that nearly all iPhone 17 models by 2025 will integrate Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi chips. Such a transition is poised to not only reduce costs for Apple but also enhance connectivity across its device ecosystem.
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…
— Ming-Chi Kuo (@mingchikuo) February 20, 2025
Wi-Fi Capabilities in Upcoming Models
The current iPhone 16 models do support Wi-Fi 7, albeit with limited specifications. In contrast, the forthcoming iPhone 17 is expected to utilize the advantages of Wi-Fi 7, operating across 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously. This capability will facilitate improved data transfer rates, enhanced coverage, and lower latency, significantly elevating the user experience.
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