A couple of weeks ago, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported that upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini devices are coming in 2025 with a bigger new feature: Apple's custom-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. According to the report, the codenamed Proxima chip will be available with the new Apple TV, HomePod mini, and iPhone 17 models, and a new iteration of this processor will be available on iPad and Mac devices in 2026. He says the custom-designed chip will support Wi-Fi 6E and help “synchronize data more quickly.”
This change could benefit Apple's creation of thinner devices and new wearable technology, as ultimately, the company wants to integrate the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip with a cellular modem and the core processor on its devices.
However, this custom Wi-Fi chip could provide even greater news for those waiting for a new AirPort iteration – which is not in the works.
In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman gives another tidbit about this future Proxima Wi-Fi chip, which is "so sophisticated that it could theoretically turn a home device like an Apple TV box or HomePod with a wireless access point."
While the journalist doesn't believe this will be a "main selling point of the devices," they could add this feature. Users could improve the range of their Wi-Fi through these wireless access points.
However, it's important to note that while Apple's custom Wi-Fi chip could theoretically turn a home device with a WAP, it's possible that Cupertino never turns this feature on. With the HomePod mini, the company took a long time to add smoke detection and in-house weather, even though the capabilities were inside the device since day one.
The future Apple TV is expected to feature Apple's A18 chip and this new Wi-Fi chip. It's unclear what improvements Cupertino is working on in the future HomePod mini, even though a more powerful sound with more noticeable bass would be a great addition.
BGR will let you know once we learn more about these devices.
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Next-gen HomePod and Apple TV could become AirPort update we’ve been waiting for originally appeared on BGR.com on Mon, 23 Dec 2024 at 07:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
