Apple's Wi-Fi 7 Chip Set for iPhone 17 Pro in 2025
Apple has announced plans to launch an in-house developed Wi-Fi 7 chip in 2025, set to be featured in the iPhone 17 Pro. This strategic move carries substantial implications for Apple's supply chain and key suppliers in the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip industry, such as Broadcom.
As reported by MacRumors and wccftech, Apple's upcoming Wi-Fi 7 chip is designed to facilitate simultaneous data transmission and reception across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz frequency bands. The integration of this advanced chip in the iPhone 17 Pro promises enhanced Wi-Fi speeds, reduced latency, and more robust connectivity. Notably, the chip will support multi-connection operations, enabling devices to connect to multiple networks concurrently, particularly beneficial for tasks requiring high-speed data transfer.
This move aligns with Apple's prior efforts, as reported by Bloomberg in January 2023, indicating the company's pursuit of a chip supporting both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, slated for implementation across various devices starting in 2025. Despite previous reports of a temporary halt due to technical challenges, Apple has persisted in its commitment to developing cutting-edge communication technologies.
Simultaneously, there is speculation surrounding Apple's future reliance on established suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom. Presently, Apple heavily relies on Qualcomm's 5G modem chips and other communication technologies. However, driven by patent disputes with Qualcomm and a strategic intent to reduce dependence on external suppliers, Apple has actively engaged in the independent development of communication technologies.
For Broadcom, the potential scenario of Apple independently developing the Wi-Fi 7 chip and discontinuing collaboration raises concerns about losing a significant customer, impacting both the company's business and financial performance. Nevertheless, Broadcom remains proactive in its own development efforts, actively working on Wi-Fi 7 chip technology with plans to unveil related products in the upcoming years.
