Apple to Replace Broadcom with its Own Wi-Fi 7 Chip, iPhone 17 Could be the First

Apple to Replace Broadcom with its Own Wi-Fi 7 Chip, iPhone 17 Could be the FirstAccording to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to replace the Broadcom chips currently used in its iPhones with its own Wi-Fi 7 chips in the iPhone 17 series, which will be released in the fall of 2025. The chip will be manufactured using TSMC's 7nm process and will mark a significant milestone for Apple's foray into the Wi-Fi chip market

Apple to Replace Broadcom with its Own Wi-Fi 7 Chip, iPhone 17 Could be the First

According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to replace the Broadcom chips currently used in its iPhones with its own Wi-Fi 7 chips in the iPhone 17 series, which will be released in the fall of 2025. The chip will be manufactured using TSMC's 7nm process and will mark a significant milestone for Apple's foray into the Wi-Fi chip market.

Apple plans to transition almost all of its products to its own Wi-Fi chips within the next three years. This move aims to reduce device costs and increase profit margins. Notably, Apple's Wi-Fi chips are separate from its 5G baseband chips and not integrated. Therefore, they utilize different manufacturing processes and have distinct application areas.

As for the new 5G chips, Apple will initially use them in the iPhone SE 4. However, this model will still rely on Broadcom's Wi-Fi chips. The iPhone 17 directly using its own Wi-Fi chips might reflect Apple's confidence in its technology.

However, Apple's performance in network communication has been controversial. Even with Qualcomm's reliable baseband chips, signal issues still plague Apple phones. If problems arise with Apple's Wi-Fi chips, it could cause greater inconvenience for users.

Apple has a strong track record in chip development, with its A-series processors consistently leading in performance and energy efficiency. However, developing Wi-Fi chips is equally challenging, posing a new challenge for Apple. Whether it can achieve success in the Wi-Fi domain remains to be seen.

Apple's own Wi-Fi chips signify its desire to further control its hardware supply chain, reducing reliance on third-party chip manufacturers. However, it also means assuming greater responsibility for ensuring the stability and reliability of its chips. Users, above all, desire a stable and reliable network connection, regardless of whether it comes from Apple's own chips or those of third-party manufacturers.

In the future, whether Apple can provide a better network experience through its own Wi-Fi chips will depend on its performance in technology development and product testing.