Apple's iPhone 17 Air to Debut In-House 5G Modem, Marking the Start of its "De-Broadcomization" Strategy

Apple's iPhone 17 Air to Debut In-House 5G Modem, Marking the Start of its "De-Broadcomization" StrategyMultiple sources have confirmed a report from Fast Technology on December 13th: Apple will debut its self-developed 5G modem chip in the iPhone 17 Air (an ultra-thin model) launching next year. This is the first officially launched in-house modem since Apple acquired Intel's modem business, marking a significant milestone in Apple's wireless communication endeavors

Apple's iPhone 17 Air to Debut In-House 5G Modem, Marking the Start of its "De-Broadcomization" Strategy

Multiple sources have confirmed a report from Fast Technology on December 13th: Apple will debut its self-developed 5G modem chip in the iPhone 17 Air (an ultra-thin model) launching next year. This is the first officially launched in-house modem since Apple acquired Intel's modem business, marking a significant milestone in Apple's wireless communication endeavors. This move not only enhances Apple's in-house hardware R&D capabilities but also signals a gradual reduction in reliance on external suppliers, aiming to build a more independent and secure hardware ecosystem.

Apple's foray into self-developed 5G modems isn't limited to just the modem itself. Reliable leaks indicate that Apple is concurrently developing a new Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip, codenamed "Proxima." This further underscores Apple's "de-Broadcomization" strategy, aiming to lessen its dependence on Broadcom for wireless connectivity chips. The Proxima chip, several years in development, is entering its final stages and is slated for mass production in 2025, manufactured by Apple's long-time partner, TSMC. This aligns with Apple's production model for other in-house chips, reflecting its confidence in TSMC's advanced manufacturing processes.

Proxima is initially planned for the 2024 iPhone 17 series and the 2025 Apple TV and HomePod mini. Apple intends to expand Proxima's integration to iPads and Macs by 2026, achieving complete coverage across its product lines. This phased rollout ensures technological maturity and stability while gathering real-world usage data for future optimizations.

Apple aims to integrate the 5G modem, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi chips into a highly integrated wireless system, designed for significant power consumption reduction. This integration minimizes inter-chip interference and optimizes power management, extending battery life and enhancing user experience. With battery life a key concern in smartphones and mobile devices, this move will undoubtedly boost Apple's product competitiveness.

The deeper significance lies in increased control. Apple has long relied on suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom for crucial hardware components. Although Apple boasts a powerful software and ecosystem, hardware dependence remained. By developing its own 5G modem and wireless connectivity chip, Apple will reduce external supplier dependency, enhancing its supply chain leverage and mitigating potential risks.

However, Apple's "de-Broadcomization" doesn't mean completely severing ties. Apple still requires Broadcom's radio frequency filters and cloud server chips; these components are technologically complex and have high production barriers, making complete in-house development and production currently infeasible. Therefore, collaboration with Broadcom will likely continue for the foreseeable future. This represents a strategic balance maximizing control while ensuring stable product supply.

In conclusion, Apple's debut of its in-house 5G modem in the iPhone 17 Air is a strategically significant decision. It marks a major breakthrough in hardware R&D and signals a stronger push towards greater hardware independence, reducing reliance on external suppliers and solidifying its leadership in the tech industry. The introduction of Proxima and Apple's integrated wireless system strategy will profoundly impact future product development and market competitiveness. This strategic shift provides a valuable reference for other tech companies, highlighting the growing importance of in-house hardware R&D capabilities. The journey of "de-Broadcomization" has only just begun.