Apple plans to redesign the look of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models with a drastic new camera bar at the back. While the new look will be refreshing and attract new customers, Apple is also planning to introduce its new chip to the lineup, and we do not mean the new C1 modem that is part of the iPhone 16e. According to recent reports, all iPhone 17 models will be equipped with Apple's custom-designed WiFi 7 chip for 'enhanced connectivity.'
Apple to introduce its custom WiFi chips with the launch of the iPhone 17 lineup
In a new post on X, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that Apple plans to switch to its custom WiFi chips to "enhance connectivity across Apple devices." While the company aims to enhance the connectivity, it will also allow it to cut down on costs. Currently, all iPhone models, including the iPhone 16e, feature a single chip with WiFi and Bluetooth supplied by Broadcom, and the company is planning to shift almost all of its products to its custom chips.
Note that the company will not shift to its custom WiFi chips at once, as Kuo has previously stated that the transition would be complete "within about three years." The latest news suggests that Apple will shift the entire iPhone 17 lineup to the new WiFi chips, but back in October, Kuo claimed that at least one model of the iPhone 17 will feature Apple's custom WiFi chip, and since the latest news is coming from the same source, we can safely presume that the company has changed its approach.
Kuo also claimed in his previous speculations that Apple's chip would support "the latest WiFi 7 specs", but no further technical details were provided. Another analyst, Jeff Pu, claimed in November that only the iPhone 17 Pro models would get the WiFi 7 chips from Apple, while the rest of the lineup would stick to the current standard. However, Apple could have changed its plans, and since the devices are scheduled for later this year, we might hear updated news in the coming months.
If you are unfamiliar with WiFi 7 in the iPhone 17 lineup, it would bolster 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously, but users would be required to pair it with compatible routers. This will increase the overall data transfer speeds, reduce latency, and improve the overall connectivity.
Apple aims to move away from chip suppliers and their technology in favor of its own, as it has already completed its transition from Intel chips to its custom M-series of processors. Moreover, the company also announced the iPhone 16e recently, which is the beginning of its transition from Qualcomm modems to its in-house C1 chip. Potentially, WiFi chips in the iPhone 17 will be focused on the same approach. We will share more details on the matter as soon as further details are available.
