有媒体指出，苹果通过紧密集成各个无线通信组件，目标是降低设备的整体功耗，延长电池续航时间，帮助苹果制造更轻薄的设备和开发新型可穿戴技术等等。Apple plans to switch to self-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi combo chips starting in 2025. The move is aimed at improving device performance and energy efficiency while reducing reliance on Broadcom.
The Zhitong Finance App learned that Apple (AAPL.US) plans to switch to self-developed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi combo chips starting in 2025. The move is aimed at improving equipment performance and energy efficiency while reducing reliance on Broadcom (AVGO.US). According to people familiar with the matter, the internal code name of the new chip is “Proxima,” and it has been under development for several years. The first batch of production is now planned to begin in 2025, and will first be used in the iPhone 17 series, Apple TV, and HomePod mini, then expanded to iPad and Mac product lines in 2026.
Meanwhile, according to some sources, Apple is also planning to integrate this self-developed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip and 5G chip in the future to create a highly integrated, low-power wireless communication system. This will not only improve Apple's control, but also better optimize chip performance and improve the device's wireless connection speed and stability.
Some media pointed out that by closely integrating various wireless communication components, Apple aims to reduce the overall power consumption of the device, extend battery life, help Apple manufacture lighter and thinner devices and develop new wearable technology, etc.
Apple's move is expected to have an impact on Broadcom. The company is one of Broadcom's biggest customers, accounting for about 20% of the latter's revenue. In response to this, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan said in an earnings call on Thursday that the company and Apple have been committed to cooperation for several years. The report also pointed out that Apple is actively promoting an independent chip development strategy and gradually reducing its dependence on external suppliers, but Apple has not stopped cooperating in all areas, and will continue to cooperate with Broadcom in areas such as RF filters and cloud server chips.
It is worth mentioning that some analysts pointed out that Apple plans to launch the first self-developed 5G modem in 2025, launch a more high-end version in 2026, and the iterative modem in 2027 is expected to achieve better energy efficiency. Currently, all iPhones sold by Apple are equipped with Qualcomm modems for cellular connections, but with the introduction of self-developed 5G chips, Apple is expected to gradually reduce its dependence on Qualcomm. The 5G modem supply agreement between Apple and Qualcomm has been extended until 2026, which provides sufficient time for the development and deployment of Apple's own 5G modem.
