Apple locked in one of its most important chip suppliers for years to come.
Broadcom revealed in a securities filing that it has extended its longstanding technology partnership with Apple through 2031. The companies signed new multi-year agreements under which Broadcom will develop and supply custom chips for use in future generations of Apple products.
Apple’s Broadcom deal reveals long-term chip strategy
Apple has increasingly brought wireless technologies in-house, designing chips such as its C1 cellular modem and N1 wireless chip to reduce its dependence on third-party suppliers for key functions like 5G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Even so, the company continues to rely on partners including Broadcom for other specialized silicon, particularly custom networking and application-specific chips that support advanced computing and AI infrastructure.
Rather than replacing outside suppliers altogether, Apple has adopted a hybrid approach, designing its own chips that benefit the most from tight integration but also turning to industry specialists where they can offer unique expertise.
Broadcom is most definitely on the list of suppliers after announcing Monday in a SEC filing that it had renewed a “longstanding technology collaboration through 2031” with Apple.
The newly renewed deal highlights Apple’s continued reliance on Broadcom even as it designs more of its own silicon. While Cupertino increasingly makes its own chips, it still depends on Broadcom for a variety of specialized chips and networking technologies that help its devices communicate quickly and efficiently.
Apple extends Broadcom chip partnership through 2031
The partnership could become increasingly important as Apple expands its artificial intelligence efforts. In late 2024, reports indicated Apple was working with Broadcom on networking technology for its first AI server chip, part of the infrastructure expected to power Apple Intelligence and other AI services behind the scenes. Extending the relationship through the end of the decade suggests Broadcom will continue to play a significant role in those plans.
Broadcom did not disclose financial terms of the agreement or say which future Apple products will incorporate the custom chips. However, the company said the new contracts cover multiple generations of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) silicon, indicating the collaboration stretches well beyond a single product cycle.
Monday’s announcement should reassure investors who have questioned whether Apple would eventually replace more Broadcom components with its own designs. Instead, the new agreement suggests Apple still sees value in partnering with one of the semiconductor industry’s leading custom chip designers, even as it continues to expand its in-house silicon capabilities.
