iPhone 16e will start a new trend for Apple

Apple may integrate its own Wi-Fi chip into the iPhone 17, preparing to "break up" with its next partner, Broadcom.

The C1 on the iPhone 16e isn't Apple's only new chip this year. Photo: MacRumors .

On social network X , analyst Ming-Chi Kuo from TF International Securities said Apple is developing an internal Wi-Fi chip, expected to be introduced on the iPhone 17 series to be launched later this year.

Previously, Apple launched the C1 chip on the iPhone 16e series. The system includes a bandwidth modem and 5G signal acquisition/reception designed by Apple itself, replacing Qualcomm components.

“After Qualcomm, Broadcom's Wi-Fi chips will also be replaced by Apple's own internal components with faster speeds,” Kuo said.

According to this analyst, all iPhone 17 models (expected to launch in the second half of 2025) will be equipped with Wi-Fi chips developed by Apple. Meanwhile, the C1 modem will only be available on the super-thin iPhone 17 (temporarily called iPhone 17 Air).

“In addition to reducing costs, switching to in-house Wi-Fi chips will enhance connectivity on Apple devices,” Kuo added.

After the 5G modem, the Wi-Fi chip is considered Apple's latest ambition to be self-sufficient in components and technology.

Previously, rumors said that the Wi-Fi chip would be present in the iPhone 17 series, although the specific model was not clear. Based on Kuo's article, Apple could integrate the Wi-Fi chip in the entire iPhone 17 series, including the standard model, iPhone 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max.

With the 5G modem, Apple is said to be developing new versions of the C chip. In an interview with Reuters , Johny Srouji, Senior Vice President of Hardware Technology, emphasized that the C1 is just the beginning.

“We will continue to improve the technology generation by generation, which will become the foundation for the technological differentiation of our products,” said Srouji.

The C1 is manufactured on a 4nm process, while the receiver/signal receiver is on a 7nm process. According to Srouji, this is the most complex technology Apple has ever developed, requiring 180 carriers in 55 countries during the testing phase.

The C1 chip is touted to improve battery life on the iPhone 16e, despite lacking some technologies like mmWave. Since the device isn't on the shelves yet, detailed reviews are needed to determine how well Apple's modem works.