According to veteran analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is set to introduce its proprietary Wi-Fi chips across the entire iPhone 17 lineup, slated for release in the second half of 2025.
This development follows the recent debut of Apple’s in-house C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, marking a significant shift in the company’s approach to hardware design and supply chain management.
Kuo has reported that Apple plans to replace Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips with its own custom-designed alternatives in all iPhone 17 models. His insights, shared on social media platform X, suggest that this transition will not only reduce production costs but also enhance connectivity across Apple’s ecosystem.
The upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to comprise multiple models, including the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. While all these devices will feature Apple’s custom Wi-Fi chips, the integration of the C1 modem will be more selective.
Specifically, the iPhone 17 Air is anticipated to incorporate the C1 modem, which debuted in the iPhone 16e, offering enhanced battery efficiency and reliable 5G connectivity. However, this modem lacks support for mmWave 5G, indicating that the iPhone 17 Air may not support this higher-frequency band.
In contrast, the other models in the iPhone 17 lineup are expected to continue utilizing Qualcomm modems, thereby retaining full-spectrum 5G capabilities, including mmWave support.
Following Qualcomm, Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips will also be replaced by Apple’s in-house chips at a faster pace. My latest industry survey indicates that all new 2H25 iPhone 17 models will feature Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chips (vs. only the slim iPhone 17 will adopt Apple’s C1 modem…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo)
The development of the C1 modem began nearly six years ago, following Apple’s acquisition of Intel’s modem business in 2019. Despite initial challenges in modem design, Apple’s persistence has culminated in the successful launch of the C1.
By integrating proprietary Wi-Fi chips and modems into its devices, Apple aims to create a more cohesive and optimized ecosystem. This approach allows for seamless interoperability between devices, improved performance, and potential cost savings.
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