By Apple is reportedly developing a custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, expected to launch in the HomePod mini and Apple TV by 2025, as per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Codenamed “Proxima,” this wireless chip marks Apple’s ongoing efforts to minimize dependency on external suppliers. Manufactured by TSMC, the chip will feature Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, offering enhanced bandwidth and faster data transmission for Apple’s smart home devices.
Apple’s Custom Proxima Chip: A Step Towards Silicon Independence
- Launch in Home Devices
Gurman reports that Apple’s custom “Proxima” chip will debut in updated HomePod mini and Apple TV models. This chip aims to enhance device integration and enable faster data synchronization, although its first-generation performance may fall slightly short of Broadcom’s current offerings. - Expanding Across the Ecosystem
The Proxima chip is part of a larger innovation roadmap. Apple plans to introduce this wireless technology to iPhones by late 2025, followed by iPad and Mac integration in 2026. - Ambitious In-House Projects
In parallel, Apple is working on a custom cellular modem, code-named “Sinope,” expected to debut in the 2025 iPhone SE. This aligns with Apple’s strategy to reduce reliance on external suppliers like Qualcomm. - Future Vision
Apple’s ultimate goal is to create energy-efficient, tightly integrated wireless solutions across all its devices. The company aims for its modem technology to surpass Qualcomm’s by 2027, potentially transforming its ecosystem with unparalleled hardware-software synergy.
