Apple is continuing its push toward self-reliance in chip development that will continue to be seen with the iPhone 17, and the latest move could mark a major shift for future iPhones. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to replace Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips with its own in-house solution for the entire iPhone 17 lineup, slated for release this fall.
Apple’s First Wi-Fi Chip to Debut in iPhone 17 Series
Following the introduction of Apple’s first-ever self-developed 5G modem—the C1 modem—on the newly launched iPhone 16e, the company is now looking to cut its reliance on third-party suppliers for Wi-Fi connectivity. Kuo claims that all models in the iPhone 17 series will feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chip, making it the first iPhone generation to ditch Broadcom’s solution entirely.
Interestingly, Apple seems to be taking a hybrid approach with its connectivity hardware. While the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will still rely on Qualcomm modems for cellular connectivity, the standard Wi-Fi module will be Apple-made. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to be a more affordable variant, will integrate both the Apple Wi-Fi chip and the C1 modem from the iPhone 16e.
Cost Savings and Improved Connectivity
Apple’s move toward in-house connectivity chips aligns with its broader strategy of reducing dependency on external suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom. Beyond cost reduction, Kuo suggests that this transition is also aimed at “enhancing connectivity across Apple devices,” though specific technical improvements remain unclear.
This shift is expected to benefit Apple in the long run, allowing the company greater control over performance optimization, security, and hardware-software integration. If successful, this could pave the way for further self-developed wireless technologies, including future iterations of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips.
Apple has been working on reducing its reliance on third-party chipmakers for years. The company’s successful transition from Intel processors to Apple Silicon for Macs was a significant milestone, and now the focus has shifted toward wireless connectivity. If the in-house Wi-Fi chip proves to be a success in the iPhone 17 lineup, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Apple extend its custom wireless solutions to other devices in its ecosystem, such as iPads, Macs, and even future versions of the Apple Watch.
Pokdepinion: While Apple has yet to officially confirm this development, Kuo’s track record with supply chain leaks suggests that the transition is highly likely. With the iPhone 17 series expected to debut in a few months, we may not have to wait long to see how Apple’s first in-house Wi-Fi chip performs in real-world usage.
