Kuo: Apple's Upcoming 5G and Wi-Fi Chips for iPhones Are Currently Two Different Chips - MacRumors
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Kuo: Apple's Upcoming 5G and Wi-Fi Chips for iPhones Are Currently Two Different Chips

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Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said that at least one iPhone 17 model launching next year will be equipped with an Apple-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip. For years, Apple has also been rumored to be developing its own in-house 5G chip for iPhones, and Kuo has since provided some clarification about Apple's plans.

5G Modem Feature Blue
Earlier this month, 9to5Mac reported that Apple's in-house 5G chip would "also handle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS," but Kuo disagrees. He told us that Apple's 5G and Wi-Fi chips are currently "two different chips" that will roll out in the iPhone 17 and other devices starting in the second half of 2025. Kuo said the chips will be used in devices "simultaneously." If this information is accurate, that rules out the rumored all-in-one Apple chip for 5G, Wi-Fi, and other connectivity, but that could remain a future possibility.

Kuo said the iPhone SE 4 rumored to launch in March will be equipped with an Apple-designed 5G modem, but a Broadcom-supplied Wi-Fi chip.

"Starting from 2H25, both Apple's 5G and Wi-Fi chips will gradually be used in new products simultaneously," said Kuo, in a follow-up social media post today. "However, since these are two different chips (using different TSMC processes), the early switch-over timelines will differ due to separate production schedules. For example, the iPhone SE4 will move to an Apple 5G modem but still use a Broadcom Wi-Fi chip."

Kuo also expects Apple's 5G modem to be used in the rumored ultra-thin iPhone 17 model.

Read our earlier story for more details about Apple's rumored Wi-Fi 7 chip for the iPhone 17.

Related Roundup: iPhone 17
Tag: Ming-Chi Kuo
Buyer's Guide: iPhone 17 (Neutral)
Related Forum: iPhone

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Top Rated Comments

H
Heelpir8
21 months ago

Am I the only one who doesn't care who makes my phone's modem?
Maybe. The Intel modems weren't a fun time.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
G
gk_brown
21 months ago
Am I the only one who doesn't care who makes my phone's modem?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
IIGS User Avatar
IIGS User
21 months ago
Cellular modem chips seem to be half engineering and half special sauce. Intel couldn't get the sauce right. I expect it'll take Apple some time to do it as well.

I'm guessing the average user won't notice the difference with the chip. I have more trouble with spotty cell phone coverage at the office that can't be fixed by any chip no matter who makes it. I doubt I would notice a difference.

In the end, it's the network connection that makes these devices viable and compelling. If the connection is poor, the device is for the most part useless.

It's amazing how many places my "flagship" iPhone can't get a decent signal in a major metropolitan area in the year 2024. This is primarily due to limitations on the network end and not the chip in the handset.

Did I just say handset? Someone hand me a brick phone :rolleyes:.

Yes, I'm old enough to have had a brick phone.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
F
Fuzzball84
21 months ago

Am I the only one who doesn't care who makes my phone's modem?
Most consumers don’t care. Most people have no idea what SoC their iPhone or iPad has. As long as it works they are happy.

And sometimes you have to run benchmarks to see differences, and for most people their use is such that even a slow wireless component has no impact on the experience they have.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
jz0309
21 months ago

Honestly had I not been a member here, or follow tech closely, I likely wouldn't have noticed. I am fairly confident the general public would have been in the same overall situation as well.

My 7 never let me down with getting connections when needed, and I uploaded 1000s of photos from my Digital camera through it without any issues. Knowing the tech facts, I 100% know the speeds would have been better, but overall it wasn't an un-fun experience.

Personally not a fan of any entity having too much control over one specific area of technology, this includes Apple.
Agree, I do not recall that whatever phone model it was with an Intel modem gave me troubles, it’s the typical overhyped MR reaction…
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
840quadra
21 months ago

Maybe. The Intel modems weren't a fun time.
Honestly had I not been a member here, or follow tech closely, I likely wouldn't have noticed. I am fairly confident the general public would have been in the same overall situation as well.

My 7 never let me down with getting connections when needed, and I uploaded 1000s of photos from my Digital camera through it without any issues. Knowing the tech facts, I 100% know the speeds would have been better, but overall it wasn't an un-fun experience.

Personally not a fan of any entity having too much control over one specific area of technology, this includes Apple.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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