The next Apple HomePod mini and Apple TV will arrive next year with the company's own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. Photo: HWZ
Apple has been working on its own custom networking chips that will provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for a while now, and it looks like they are finally ready to be rolled out in products.
According to rumours, Apple is reportedly ready to put these new networking chips in two rumoured upcoming smart home devices. These chips will replace those from Broadcom, allowing Apple to reduce its reliance on the company.
Bloomberg claims that the next Apple TV and HomePod mini will be the first Apple devices to come with Apple's custom-designed networking chip. The two new smart home devices are expected to launch as soon as next year.
The custom-designed chip, codenamed Proxima, is believed to be in development for many years and is part of Apple's long-term goal to cut its dependence on third-party suppliers for essential components.
Besides the upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini, the iPhone 17 and some 2025 iPad models are also likely candidates for Apple's new custom-designed networking chips.
Broadcom isn't the only company that Apple is trying to reduce its reliance on. Apple is also embarking on a separate track to replace Qualcomm's modem chips with its own design. The company reportedly has a three-year plan to replace Qualcomm's modems with its own across its products beginning with the next iPhone SE.
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