Apple iPhone 17 Could Include In-House WiFi Chip with C1 Modem

Key Takeaways

1. Apple has launched the iPhone 16e with its first in-house cellular modem, the C1, reducing reliance on Qualcomm.
2. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple may develop its own WiFi chips for the upcoming iPhone 17, moving away from Broadcom.
3. The iPhone 17 series is expected to be the first to feature Apple’s proprietary WiFi chips, potentially debuting in the iPhone 17 Air model.
4. Developing in-house WiFi technology could lower costs for Apple and enhance the integration of its ecosystem across devices.
5. The information on these developments is based on unverified reports, so it should be approached with skepticism.

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, featuring its first-ever in-house cellular modem, a development that has been anticipated for several months. This C1 model signifies a shift away from the company’s previous reliance on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon modems for its connectivity needs. However, it appears Apple is planning to push the envelope even further with the upcoming iPhone 17.

WiFi Chip Development for iPhone 17

According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on X (previously known as Twitter), Apple might be working on its own WiFi chips for the iPhone 17. The introduction of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e has already allowed the company to distance itself from Qualcomm’s technology. Currently, Apple relies on Broadcom for its WiFi chips, but rumors suggest that the company could soon start producing its own.

Expected Features of the iPhone 17 Series

Kuo also mentioned in his latest industry analysis that the iPhone 17 series might be the first to feature Apple’s in-house WiFi chips. Set to debut in the latter half of this year, it’s likely that only the iPhone 17 Air model will utilize the new C1 modem chip. By using its own WiFi technology, Apple can potentially lower costs by eliminating dependence on third-party manufacturers. Beyond cost savings, a major advantage would be the improvement of the Apple ecosystem.

Over time, Apple could integrate these proprietary WiFi chips into all its devices, including MacBooks, iPads, and iPhones, which would enhance connectivity across platforms. It’s important to note that this information is based on unverified reports, so it’s wise to approach these updates with some skepticism. Stay tuned for further developments.