Apple is reportedly making a big move with its upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all four iPhone 17 models will feature Apple’s first-ever custom-designed Wi-Fi chip. While Kuo didn’t specify which Wi-Fi version this chip would support, Jeff Pu, another well-known analyst, has suggested it will be Wi-Fi 7.
In a research note shared with GF Securities earlier this month, Pu revealed that Apple’s in-house Wi-Fi 7 chip will debut in the iPhone 17 series. This isn’t entirely unexpected, as the current iPhone 16 lineup already supports Wi-Fi 7. However, what stands out here is Apple’s shift toward designing its own Wi-Fi chips, a significant step in reducing its dependency on external suppliers like Qualcomm and Broadcom.
Apple recently introduced its custom C1 modem for cellular connectivity in the iPhone 16e, and now the company appears to be expanding its custom chip efforts into Wi-Fi technology. By taking more control over its hardware, Apple aims to streamline its supply chain while delivering high-performance products.
So, what makes Wi-Fi 7 so special? This advanced technology enables data transmission across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously (with a compatible router), offering faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections. Wi-Fi 7 can theoretically hit peak speeds of over 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than Wi-Fi 6E when devices can utilize the maximum specifications.
Apple fans won’t have to wait too long to see this new tech in action— the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to launch in September.
