Apple’s commitment to using its own components in its products is no secret. We saw this play out with the transition from Intel processors to Apple’s M series chips in Macs. Now, it appears this trend is extending to mobile devices, with Apple aiming to replace third-party Wi-Fi and 5G chips with its own designs in the near future.
According to industry sources, Apple plans to introduce its own Wi-Fi chips in the 2025 iPad models, with the iPhone 18 series following suit in 2026. This move towards in-house chipsets could start even earlier, with the upcoming iPhone SE 4 potentially becoming the first iPhone to feature an Apple-designed 5G chip. The iPhone 17 series is expected to follow later that year.
This shift towards Apple-made chips offers several advantages. It allows the company to exert greater control over its hardware, potentially improving performance, efficiency, and integration. It also helps reduce reliance on external suppliers, mitigating supply chain risks and potentially lowering costs in the long run.
While Apple is actively developing its own 5G chip, the company might need to rely on Qualcomm’s expertise for assistance, especially regarding mmWave technology. This dependence is expected to last until 2027, as per the existing chip deal between Apple and Qualcomm. Meanwhile, Broadcom, Apple’s current leading supplier of Wi-Fi chips, will likely see its role diminished as Apple implements its own solutions.
This news comes as Apple unveils its new iPhone 16 series, comprising the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Earlier this year, the company also introduced new iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Apple is reportedly planning to release updated versions of the regular iPad and iPad mini as early as next month. With these moves, Apple continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and control over its product ecosystem, promising exciting developments in the years to come.
