Apple’s iPhone 17, anticipated to launch in fall 2025, will be among the first devices to feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip, replacing the Broadcom chip currently used for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, this shift aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to develop proprietary chips across multiple devices to reduce supply chain costs and increase profitability.
What the Wi-Fi 7 Chip Means for Apple and iPhone Users
Apple’s Wi-Fi 7 chip will be manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm process, aiming for faster connectivity, improved power efficiency, and enhanced user experiences. The integration of Apple’s own Wi-Fi chip marks a pivotal change, with the company planning to roll out these chips across most of its product lineup within the next three years. By designing its chips, Apple gains more control over performance, optimizes device integration, and reduces dependency on external suppliers.
Apple’s Push Toward Proprietary 5G Technology
Apple is also developing an in-house 5G modem, a separate chip that will follow a different TSMC process technology. The 5G chip, expected to debut in the next iPhone SE, will gradually replace Qualcomm’s 5G components. This SE model, however, will still rely on a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip, making the iPhone 17 Apple’s first model fully equipped with both proprietary Wi-Fi and cellular technology.
Future Vision: Why Apple’s Custom Chip Strategy Matters
Apple’s move to custom-designed chips signifies its broader mission to optimize every aspect of its devices, delivering high-quality, cohesive experiences for users. With Wi-Fi 7 promising reduced latency and increased data speeds, the iPhone 17 will likely offer smoother streaming, faster downloads, and enhanced overall performance, setting a new standard for iOS devices.