Apple Shifts Chip Strategy: HomePod mini 2 Likely to Feature MediaTek Hardware
A new analysis of Apple’s internal code suggests the company is recalibrating its chip strategy, potentially opting for MediaTek hardware in upcoming entry-level devices, including the next-generation HomePod mini. This move contradicts earlier speculation that Apple would broadly implement its N1 chip across its product lines.
The findings, initially reported by MacRumors based on a code leak from Apple’s macOS core debugging toolkit released earlier this year, reveal references to a “Sunrise” wireless system within code related to the HomePod mini 2. Sources indicate “Sunrise” is Apple’s internal designation for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi chips manufactured by MediaTek.
Internally, Apple refers to its own N1 chip as “Centauri.” The presence of “Sunrise” in the HomePod mini 2 code strongly suggests the device will not receive an upgrade to the N1 chip, a departure from previous predictions. “Based on information from Sunrise, it seems that HomePod mini 2 will not be upgraded to the N1 network chip,” one analyst noted.
This shift in strategy appears to be a deliberate segmentation of Apple’s hardware offerings. According to the leaked information, Apple intends to reserve its proprietary N1 chip for its higher-end devices. Entry-level products, like the HomePod mini, will continue to utilize more cost-effective components from MediaTek.
The implications extend beyond the HomePod mini. The analysis indicates that the upcoming iPhone 17e, iPad 12, and even the A18 Pro MacBook are also slated to incorporate MediaTek chips. This represents a significant change in Apple’s approach to component sourcing and could signal a broader trend toward tiered performance and pricing structures.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously indicated that both Apple TV and the HomePod mini would utilize the N1 chip, highlighting the evolving nature of Apple’s plans. The company’s decision to prioritize the N1 chip for premium devices underscores its commitment to delivering a differentiated experience for its higher-paying customers.
This strategic move allows Apple to maintain competitive pricing in the entry-level market while simultaneously investing in advanced silicon for its flagship products. The long-term effects of this shift on Apple’s supply chain and product performance remain to be seen, but the initial data suggests a calculated effort to optimize cost and performance across its diverse product portfolio.
