Apple’s plan to move more wireless technology in-house now looks like a longer shift, as Broadcom has extended its custom chip partnership with the company through 2031. The deal suggests Apple will still depend on Broadcom for key radio and connectivity parts even as it develops its own C-series modem chips for future iPhones.
Reuters reports that Broadcom will continue to develop and supply custom chips for Apple under the expanded agreement. Broadcom already provides radio frequency chips used in iPhones, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other networking components.
Apple introduced its first modem chip, the C1, with the iPhone 16E, and later followed it with the C1X for devices such as the iPhone Air, iPhone 17E, and some iPads. Apple says the C1 uses less power than third-party modem chips, but it does not support mmWave 5G, which delivers very fast speeds in places like airports, stadiums, and transit hubs.
iPhone 18 Pro Could Bring Apple’s C2 Modem
The next major step should arrive with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra, which are expected to use Apple’s C2 modem. This chip should add mmWave 5G support and bring Apple closer to matching the features found in high-end third-party modem solutions.
Even so, the Broadcom deal shows Apple does not expect to replace every wireless component quickly. TSMC still makes Apple’s in-house chips, while Broadcom remains important for radio and connectivity hardware across the Apple lineup.
Apple’s Full Modem Switch Still Looks Years Away
This agreement points to a gradual transition rather than a quick break from outside suppliers. Apple can keep using Broadcom parts in some products while it improves its own modem chips and decides where to use them first.
For now, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra remain the devices to watch, but a complete move to Apple-designed cellular hardware across all products looks several years away.
