Apple is on a mission to bring more design in-house, as revealed by a recent report. The company is set to launch an in-house chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity next year, marking a significant step in its technological journey.

Unlock the Potential of Apple's In-House Chip

Apple's Chip for Connectivity

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will finally introduce an in-house chip dubbed Proxima. This chip will be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which currently produces most of Apple's chips. It's a different endeavor from the recent news of Apple rolling out in-house designed modems in the next three years, but the common goal is to reduce reliance on parts from Broadcom and Qualcomm. Unnamed sources suggest that Apple aims to develop an "end-to-end wireless approach" with integrated components for enhanced energy efficiency. This could lead to thinner devices like the iPhone 17 Air and improved wearables.Before the full implementation, Apple is expected to launch a combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip in updated versions of the Apple TV set-top box and a new HomePod mini smart speaker. It may also make its way into iPhones next year, with iPad and Mac following suit in 2026. This aligns with an earlier November report claiming that the iPhone 17 would feature Apple's home-made Wi-Fi chip, as stated by analyst Ming Chi-Kuo.

The Impact on Smart Home Devices

The new chip is expected to give Apple more control over how devices connect to networks and Wi-Fi hubs. This increased control will enable the company to explore new design possibilities and potentially create thinner devices. With the new Wi-Fi chip, the HomePod is set to work more closely with other smart home devices. It is rumored to have a 6-to 7-inch OLED display and could serve as a more comprehensive smart home controller rather than just a speaker. Gurman has previously mentioned that Apple is working on versions with a wall-mounted iPad-like display and a robotic arm. Additionally, Apple is rumored to be working on a standalone security camera, further expanding its presence in the smart home market.

Comparing with Current Offerings

The new in-house chip won't match Broadcom's current offerings immediately, but it will offer the Wi-Fi 6E standard. This indicates that Apple is focused on providing advanced wireless connectivity while gradually building its own chip capabilities. As Apple continues to push into smart home devices next year, this chip will play a crucial role in integrating and optimizing various components. It showcases Apple's commitment to innovation and control over its technological ecosystem.