iPhone 17 Series May Feature Apple’s Own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chips, Says Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo
In a strategic move, Apple appears ready to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers for critical iPhone components. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF Securities International reports that Apple is preparing to equip its upcoming iPhone 17 series with in-house Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips.
Apple’s Shift Towards In-House Technology for the iPhone 17 Series
As Apple continues to develop and manufacture more of its components, its goal is to minimize dependence on suppliers like Broadcom. This approach would allow Apple greater control over the performance, integration, and availability of essential parts, such as those enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity on its devices.
According to Kuo, this shift is not limited to iPhones. Apple intends to incorporate these in-house components across a broader range of its product lineup, potentially starting in the latter half of 2025. Apple’s anticipated iPhone SE 4 may also be a stepping stone for its in-house 5G chips.
A Closer Look at Apple’s New Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Chips
Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip is set to be manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm (N7) process. This new chip is expected to support the advanced Wi-Fi 7 protocol, bringing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity to future Apple devices. While the iPhone 17 series—anticipated to follow the iPhone 16 lineup launched in September—is likely the first to showcase this innovation, Apple plans to use this chip in other devices soon after.
Expanding the In-House Chip Range: What to Expect
Apple’s roadmap for hardware development doesn’t stop with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In 2025, Apple reportedly plans to release its fourth-generation iPhone SE with an in-house 5G modem. While this model may still feature a Broadcom chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it marks another step toward Apple’s goal of self-sufficiency in component manufacturing.
Despite the upcoming iPhone 17 series featuring Apple’s new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, it may not yet include the company’s 5G chip. Kuo suggests that Apple’s Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G chips are developed separately using different TSMC manufacturing processes, resulting in staggered launch timelines. Over the next three years, however, Apple aims to introduce its own chips in nearly all its products, marking a significant shift toward in-house technology.
