Apple is set to enhance its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup by integrating an in-house designed Wi-Fi 7 chip across all models, according to industry analyst Jeff Pu, who closely monitors Apple’s supply chain (via MacRumors).
The design of Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi 7 chip was reportedly finalized in the first half of 2024. The chip is now expected to debut in the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max models slated for release later this year.
The iPhone 16 series already supports Wi-Fi 7; however, the integration of an Apple-designed chip marks a pivotal shift. By developing its own Wi-Fi chips, Apple aims to reduce dependency on external suppliers like Broadcom. Last month, Apple introduced the custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, handling cellular connectivity such as 5G and LTE.
The iPhone 16 series already supports Wi-Fi 7; however, the integration of an Apple-designed chip marks a pivotal shift. Wi-Fi 7 offers simultaneous data transmission over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. This tri-band operation facilitates faster data transfer rates, reduced latency, and more stable connections.
Devices equipped with Wi-Fi 7 can achieve peak speeds exceeding 40 Gbps, a fourfold increase over Wi-Fi 6E, provided they support the maximum specifications.
For users, this translates to seamless streaming, rapid file downloads, and enhanced online gaming experiences. The improved bandwidth and reduced interference make Wi-Fi 7 ideal for environments with multiple connected devices, ensuring consistent performance across various applications.
The iPhone 17 series, encompassing the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to launch in approximately six months. The inclusion of Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip across all models is poised to set a new benchmark in wireless connectivity for smartphones.
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I guess I'm going to hold onto my cheap Costco Android phone for another year and a half when the C2 will be out or maybe Apple decides to outsource the cellular modem back to Qualcomm.