Apple Hiatus Developing New Wi-Fi Modem Chip

Apple had planned on developing their own Wi-Fi modem chip for the latest iPhones, but have since halted progress on the project. The cause of the delay is primarily due to recent trends in chip construction, and changes in WiFi standards.

Chinese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo commented that the company has shifted its focus to the transition to 3nm chips, as well as the introduction of WiFi 6E/7 standards. These two factors have caused Apple to shelve the idea of creating their own modem chip.

The third obstacle appears to be the combination of the modem chip with Bluetooth capabilities. Apple’s chip previously had both technologies integrated within in it, but with its current plans, this may be no longer feasible.

It is unclear if Apple will shift to continue developing the chip in the future, or if they will instead choose to delegate the supplier. The outcome of the eventual decisions may very well affect the industry as a whole.