The world remains captivated by Apple rumors. While some attribute this to gravity, many suggest it is driven by Apple itself. The release schedule for the iPhone seems to be as crucial as the Farmer’s Almanac in certain sectors. Recently, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, introducing a new era for its hardware where it manufactures all its cellular chips in-house. The iPhone 16e features the debut of the C1 modem, Apple’s first self-made 5G chip, and reports indicate the development of additional chips is underway.
The anticipated iPhone 17, expected later this year, is set to further showcase Apple’s chip development capabilities. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared on Twitter/X that Apple plans to replace Broadcom’s Wi-Fi chips with its own at a faster pace. According to Kuo, all new iPhone 17 models expected in the second half of 2025 will incorporate Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi chips, contrasting with only the slim iPhone 17 models adopting the C1 modem chip. This transition is expected to not only reduce costs but also enhance connectivity across Apple devices.
Speculation suggests that the iPhone 17 lineup, including the rumored iPhone 17 Air, will depend on Apple-produced wifi chips to connect devices. Kuo highlights that these new chips will “enhance connectivity across Apple devices,” though specifics remain unclear. There is speculation about potential integration with predictive computing or advancements in Apple’s smart home technology. Rumors also suggest that Apple TV could receive a significant update this year, potentially positioning it as a central hub for a home ecosystem.
Apple asserts that the C1 chip brings notable battery improvements to the iPhone 16e, and similar expectations surround the new Wi-Fi chip. The company is likely to emphasize its capability to precisely customize every chip according to both its needs and consumer demands. This level of control over its hardware would not be possible if Apple continued outsourcing the manufacturing of the 5G modem. The iPhone 17 is expected to represent another step towards Apple’s complete control over the hardware in its products.
