Another win! Apple (AAPL.US) to launch its own Bluetooth + Wi-Fi chips in 2025 after 5G chips

Apple (AAPL.US) plans to switch to its own-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi combo chip from 2025, aiming to enhance device performance and energy efficiency while reducing its reliance on Broadcom (AVGO.US). The new chip, internally codenamed "Proxima", has been developed for several years and is now scheduled to start mass production in 2025, first applied to the iPhone 17 series, Apple TV and HomePod mini, and then extended to the iPad and Mac product lines in 2026, according to insiders. At the same time, Apple is reportedly planning to integrate its self-developed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip with the 5G chip, creating a highly integrated, low-power wireless communication system. This not only enhances Apple's control but also optimizes chip performance and improves the wireless connection speed and stability of devices. Apple aims to reduce the overall power consumption of devices by tightly integrating various wireless communication components, according to media reports. This helps Apple make thinner devices and develop new wearable technologies, among other things. Apple's move is expected to impact Broadcom, which is one of its largest customers, accounting for about 20% of its revenue. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan responded to this in the company's earnings call on Thursday, saying that Broadcom is in a multi-year commitment with Apple. The reports also noted that Apple is actively promoting its chip self-development strategy and gradually reducing its reliance on external suppliers, but Apple has not completely stopped cooperation, continuing to work with Broadcom in areas such as RF filters and cloud server chips. It's worth noting that analysts have pointed out that Apple plans to launch its first self-developed 5G modem in 2025 and a more advanced version in 2026, with its iteration modem in 2027 expected to achieve even more outstanding energy efficiency. Currently, all iPhones sold by Apple are equipped with Qualcomm modems for cellular connectivity, but with the launch of its self-developed 5G chips, Apple is expected to gradually reduce its reliance on Qualcomm. Apple's 5G modem supply agreement with Qualcomm has been extended to 2026, providing ample time for the development and deployment of its own 5G modems.