Apple launched the iPhone 16e, featuring its first self-developed 5G modem, moving away from Qualcomm chips. Reports suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17 family will also incorporate Apple’s first Wi-Fi chip, replacing Broadcom components. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo notes that the iPhone 17 Air will utilize both the Apple Wi-Fi chip and the new C1 modem from the iPhone 16e, while the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and Pro Max will integrate Qualcomm modems with the Apple Wi-Fi chip. This shift aims to reduce costs and enhance connectivity across Apple devices over time.
Yesterday, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, which is equipped with the company’s first self-designed 5G modem, taking the place of the Qualcomm modems found in previous iPhone models. Reports suggest that Apple will persist in crafting essential connectivity chips internally, and a new update reveals that the entire iPhone 17 lineup, expected this fall, will incorporate Apple’s initial self-developed Wi-Fi chip.
This new chip will replace the Broadcom chips that Apple currently relies on. The insights come from Ming-Chi Kuo, a reliable source when it comes to Apple’s supply chain in Asia. Notably, he mentions that the iPhone 17 Air will utilize not only the Apple Wi-Fi chip but also the Apple C1 modem that premiered with the iPhone 16e.
On the other hand, the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max will utilize Qualcomm modems alongside Apple’s Wi-Fi chip. This strategic decision appears to be a concerted effort to reduce costs, as internally developing these chips could ultimately save Apple significant amounts spent on Qualcomm and Broadcom. However, according to Kuo, the transition to the in-house Wi-Fi chip is not solely based on financial considerations; it aims to also “enhance connectivity across Apple devices,” though the specifics of that claim remain unclear.
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