Apple's Bold Leap: iPhone 17 to Debut with In-House Wi-Fi 7 Chip, Aiming to Outpace Broadcom and Qualcomm
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has forecasted that at least one model of the iPhone 17 series, expected next year, will be equipped with Apple’s in-house developed Wi-Fi 7 chip. This marks a significant step for Apple as it works to decrease reliance on external suppliers and enhance both product integration and cost control.
Currently, the Wi-Fi chips for nearly all iPhone models are supplied by Broadcom, with an annual shipment exceeding 300 million Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips to Apple. However, starting next year, Apple will begin employing its own Wi-Fi chips, manufactured using TSMC's 7nm process technology. The company aims to transition all its products to these in-house Wi-Fi chips within three years, targeting reduced production costs.
Wi-Fi 7 technology offers a substantial performance boost over Wi-Fi 6, with maximum transmission speeds reaching 46Gbps, almost five times that of Wi-Fi 6. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 7 will support a broader range of frequencies, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. However, regional variations in frequency allocation mean that 6GHz support may differ depending on the location.
In addition to Wi-Fi advancements, Apple's self-developed 5G modem chips are also set for commercialization. It's anticipated that the upcoming iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 Air models will be the first to feature these chips. This strategic move will not only enhance Apple's product independence but could also impact revenues for current suppliers like Qualcomm. By accelerating its chip development efforts, Apple is positioning itself to lead in both innovation and market control over the coming years.