It's being reported this afternoon that Apple Inc.’s ambitious plan to create in-house components for its devices will include switching to a homegrown chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections starting next year, a move that will replace some parts currently provided by Broadcom Inc. 

The chip, code-named Proxima, has been in development for several years and is now slated to go into the first products in 2025, according to people familiar with the matter. Like Apple’s other in-house chips, Proxima will be produced by partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).

Apple’s goal is to develop an end-to-end wireless approach that is tightly integrated with its other components and more energy-efficient.  The two new components mark a major breakthrough for Apple’s hardware technologies group, led by Senior Vice President Johny Srouji.

Apple will begin rolling out the combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip as part of new home devices scheduled for next year, including refreshed versions of its TV set-top box and HomePod mini smart speaker.

The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip ensures that Apple devices can get online via wireless networks and pair to peripherals like headphones and speakers. Those are key parts of the Apple experience, and customers are likely to notice if problems arise. The company has also been developing its own standalone security camera that could pair to its other home devices. For more, read the full Bloomberg report.