Apple’s journey toward self-sufficiency in chip production is moving into a new phase as the tech giant looks to introduce its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip in the 2025 product lineup, starting with the iPhone 17.
This strategic shift, reportedly set to reduce Apple’s reliance on Broadcom as its current Wi-Fi chip supplier, signals a broader move toward in-house technology for critical wireless components. With Apple’s planned chip leveraging TSMC's advanced N7 process, the upcoming devices are expected to support the latest Wi-Fi 7 standards, enhancing connectivity speeds and stability.
One of the anticipated outcomes of Apple's in-house chip initiative is a reduction in production costs. But there’s more to it than just economics. By consolidating its wireless technology within a proprietary chip, Apple could further solidify its ecosystem’s integration, potentially allowing more seamless interaction across its device lineup.
The new Wi-Fi chip is part of a larger suite of innovations rumored for Apple’s 2025 lineup, which could span multiple product categories. While the iPhone 17 is expected to debut with Apple’s own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, speculation suggests that other devices, such as future iPads, Apple Watches, or possibly even a cellular Mac, could also adopt this technology.
Meanwhile, the company’s internal 5G project is still underway. Initial reports indicate that the first Apple-designed 5G chip will appear in a revised iPhone SE, slated for early 2025, before arriving in select iPhone 17 models later in the year. Interestingly, unlike the multi-function Wi-Fi chip, Apple’s 5G solution is expected to be a standalone component, possibly pointing to the complexity of integrating advanced cellular technology with other wireless functions.
Years of R&D efforts are converging as Apple prepares to bring its wireless innovations to market. As these new chips gradually roll out across Apple’s devices, users can anticipate more refined connectivity and enhanced integration within Apple’s ecosystem.
