Unlocking Connectivity: Every iPhone 17 Model Will Feature Apple’s Custom Wi-Fi Chip

Yesterday, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e. This model features Apple’s very own 5G modem, a big step from the Qualcomm modems used in previous models. Apple plans to keep this trend going, with future iPhones boasting more in-house developed connectivity chips.

According to a recent report, the upcoming iPhone 17 series, set to launch this fall, will include Apple’s first custom Wi-Fi chip. This means Apple will be moving away from the Broadcom chips it currently uses. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared that not only will the iPhone 17 Air utilize this new Wi-Fi chip, but it will also feature the same Apple C1 modem found in the iPhone 16e.

The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will still use Qualcomm modems, but paired with Apple’s new Wi-Fi chip. This move appears to be a strategic cost-saving effort for Apple. By creating these chips in-house, Apple could save significantly on payments to Qualcomm and Broadcom. Kuo also suggests that this change could lead to better connectivity across all Apple devices, though details on that are still unclear.

Source