In a significant move towards in-house technology, Apple is set to integrate its own Wi-Fi chip into the entire iPhone 17 lineup, according to a report from Ming-Chi Kuo, a trusted analyst familiar with Apple’s supply chain.
The iPhone 17 series, expected to launch this fall, will mark the debut of Apple’s self-developed Wi-Fi chip, replacing the Broadcom chips previously used in iPhones.
Key Changes in Connectivity for iPhone 17
Apple is following up on its move with the iPhone 16e, which featured the company’s first self-developed 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm’s modems.
The upcoming iPhone 17 will continue this trend by integrating Apple’s own Wi-Fi chip across all models, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature not only the Apple Wi-Fi chip but also the Apple C1 modem, first introduced with the iPhone 16e.
A Cost-Cutting and Connectivity Boost
This shift to Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi chip marks a deliberate cost reduction strategy by reducing the reliance on Broadcom and Qualcomm.
By designing the chips in-house, Apple stands to save significant costs in the long term. Beyond the financial impact, the transition is expected to enhance connectivity across Apple devices, although specifics on this aspect remain unclear.
Apple’s long-term vision seems to be reducing its dependency on external suppliers for key components, which could further strengthen its ecosystem and improve integration across its range of products.
