Apple Soon to Equip iPhones with In-House 5G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Chips, Analysts Predict

Apple supply chain analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu agree that the next iPhone, slated for release next year, will feature internally developed WiFi and Bluetooth chips. How will this impact the new iPhone's performance?

Apple Joins the Race for Connected Chip Technology

Apple is intent on reducing its reliance on external suppliers, specifically for its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips. Supply chain analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have pointed out that the tech giant plans to use its expertise to design and manufacture its own chips for the iPhone.

A Technological Shift for Apple

Currently, Broadcom supplies over 300 million Wi-Fi+Bluetooth chips annually to Apple. However, starting in 2025, Apple aims to phase out this dependency by adopting its own chips, made using TSMC’s N7 process and supporting Wi-Fi 7 standards.

A Gradual Transition Towards Independence

The switch to Apple’s own chips won’t happen overnight. The integration of 5G and Wi-Fi into Apple’s ecosystem will be gradual due to various production schedules. For instance, the iPhone SE4 might adopt an Apple 5G modem while still using a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip.

A Major Technological Challenge

This move towards autonomy marks a significant shift in Apple’s production strategy. The company had previously moved towards independence in 2019 by acquiring Intel’s smartphone modem business. A major tech update is anticipated with the upcoming iPhone SE4 and iPhone 17 Pro by the second half of 2025, signaling Apple’s notable entry into the realm of connected chip manufacturers.