Apple's Rumored Return to the Wi-Fi Router Market: The Proxima Chip and What It Could Mean

Apple is reportedly developing a new "Proxima" chip, sparking rumors of a potential return to the Wi-Fi router market, possibly integrated into future Apple devices or even a standalone product.

Apple is rumored to be making a comeback in the Wi-Fi router market. Reports suggest the company has developed a new chip called "Proxima" that could be the heart of a future wireless router.

One possibility is that Apple might integrate the Proxima chip into a future Apple TV or HomePod, effectively turning these devices into wireless access points. This would be a significant move for Apple, particularly since they discontinued their AirPort router lineup back in 2018 (not 2013 as previously stated).

The Proxima chip is rumored to be more powerful and potentially more energy-efficient than the Broadcom chips commonly found in most Wi-Fi routers. If Apple does decide to release a standalone Wi-Fi router, it's likely to be positioned as a premium product, potentially carrying a higher price tag than competing models.

While Apple hasn't officially confirmed any plans for a new Wi-Fi router, they have filed several patents that hint at their continued interest in networking technology. It's conceivable that Apple might announce such a product at a future developer conference, such as WWDC.

If Apple does re-enter the Wi-Fi market, they could become a major competitor to established players like Netgear and Linksys. Apple's strong brand recognition and reputation for high-quality products could give them a significant advantage.

This potential move could significantly shake up the home networking landscape. We'll continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.