Apple Set to Replace Broadcom Wi-Fi Chips with In-House Solutions in iPhone 17 Lineup

Upcoming Apple Wi-Fi Chip for iPhone 17 Lineup According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to introduce a new in-house designed Wi-Fi chip in the entire iPhone 17 lineup, scheduled for release in the second half of 2025. This move follows the recent debut of Apple's C1 modem with the iPhone 16e and aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on third-party components.

Key Points:

• Full Lineup Adoption: All variants of the iPhone 17, including the 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, will feature Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip.
• Enhanced Connectivity: The shift to in-house Wi-Fi chips is expected to enhance connectivity across Apple devices, though specific improvements are not detailed.
• Cost Reduction: In addition to potential performance benefits, using in-house components aims to reduce costs and improve battery life, similar to the gains seen with the C1 modem.
• Future Projects: Apple continues to work on its 5G modems, with future C-class successors planned.

Industry Impact:

• Replacement of Broadcom Chips: This move marks a significant shift as Apple replaces Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips more rapidly than previously anticipated.
• Competitive Edge: The in-house development is part of Apple's broader strategy to gain more control over its hardware and potentially offer better integrated experiences across its ecosystem.

What are your thoughts on Apple's transition to designing its own connectivity components?