Apple would like to develop its own WiFi chip to be less dependent on Broadcom. But the development does not seem to be going very well yet; the project is currently on hold, according to an analyst. 
For years there have been rumors about Apple's own 5G modem, to be less dependent on Qualcomm. But Apple would like to go one step further, with a combined chip for all wireless functions (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 5G). This would also make Apple less dependent on Broadcom. To make the transition smooth, Apple would now be working on a chip for Wi-Fi only. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has temporarily put this project on hold to give priority to other chips.
This means that Broadcom will continue to provide the Wi-Fi chips for now, at least for the iPhone 15 models expected in September. The chip for WiFi and Bluetooth is still separate from the 5G modem chip that Apple also wants to develop in-house. Apple has been working for some time to become less dependent on its own parties, by developing essential components in-house. A combined chip for all wireless technologies will not be available for the time being either, as this is even more complex.
According to Kuo, all attention is now focused on the advanced 3-nanometer chips for future iPhones and other devices. As a result, there is not enough development capacity for the wireless chips, which causes them to be delayed. Kuo also thinks it will be risky if Apple wants to switch to its own Wi-Fi chips within two or three years, partly because the new Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 standards are emerging. Apple wants to use this in devices, but will depend on Broadcom for the time being.
Nothing will change for users for the time being. Whether Apple develops the chips in-house or buys them from Broadcom, there won't be that many new features linked to them. >
Apple develops all-in-1 chip for Wi-Fi , Bluetooth and 5G
For years there have been rumors about Apple's own 5G modem, to be less dependent on Qualcomm. But Apple would like to go one step further: Broadcom's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips should also be produced in-house, combined into an all-in-one chip for wireless functions.