Rumors about a new Apple TV set-top box are sparse, but the latest rumors predict that an updated version of the hardware will go on sale in 2025 and will feature an Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip, as will the new HomePod mini.
Not much is known about the new Apple TV hardware or the new HomePod mini. However, a report by Bloomberg on Thursday gave a rare glimpse into the new device.
Thursday's report focused on suspicions that Apple will use its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips instead of relying on Broadcom's products. It is said that Apple's Wi-Fi7 and Bluetooth chips are called "Proxima" internally. The report also said that Apple has been developing the chips for several years and that the chips will be manufactured by TSMC, Apple’s main foundry.
Proxima is said to debut in new Apple TV set-top box hardware and the HomePod mini in 2025. Proxima is rumored to eventually appear in the iPhone 17 series later this year.
This is not the first time it has been reported that the iPhone’s Wi-Fi will no longer use Broadcom’s solution. Ming-Chi Kuo of Tianfeng Securities said in October that iPhone 17 may achieve this change in 2025.
The shift appears to be another way for Apple to stop buying chips from other suppliers. AppleSilicon as a whole is an obvious example.
Additionally, the company has long been developing its own cellular modems for iPhones, another move away from third-party suppliers. This is expected to debut in the 2025 iPhone SE.
Apple and Qualcomm have extended their global patent licensing agreement for two years, covering modem and Wi-Fi technology. The contract renewal and use of the Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF System will end in March 2027.
If Apple can bring its modem and Wi-Fi chip programs to a level comparable to Broadcom's products, it won't need to extend contracts or rely on that supplier for modems after 2027. This has long been a goal of Apple, with its biggest move being the transition to Apple Silicon.
In addition, from 2016 to 2023, the two companies were also involved in a Wi-Fi patent dispute with the California Institute of Technology. Switching to Apple-designed chips could further bring the iPhone maker closer to Caltech.
However, if another recent rumor is true, Apple's dependence on Broadcom may not drop to zero. Apple is said to be working with Broadcom to develop artificial intelligence server chips. Apple currently uses the M2 chip in its server farm, Apple Intelligence, and rumors suggest the M4 will soon replace it.