Chapter 1: Apple's Shift from Qualcomm to Self-Made Chips

Recently, industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that Apple is hastening its shift from reliance on Qualcomm's technology. Following this development, Apple released iOS 18 Beta 4, introducing a new "WLAN call" feature specifically for users of China Telecom.

According to a report by The Information, Apple is also developing a mechanical aperture solution expected to debut with the iPhone 17. Kuo further indicated that in 2025, two new iPhone models— the iPhone SE4 (launching in Q1 2025) and the ultra-slim iPhone 17 (expected in Q3 2025)— will feature Apple's proprietary 5G chips, moving away from Qualcomm entirely.

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This transition implies that aside from these two models, the remaining iPhones released in 2025 will continue to utilize Qualcomm's 5G technology, similar to previous generations of the iPhone.

Section 1.2: iOS 18 Beta 4 Introduces Vo Wi-Fi for China Telecom

With the rollout of iOS 18 Beta 4, Apple has integrated a new "WLAN call" feature for China Telecom users.

Also referred to as WLAN calling, this option necessitates activation from the carrier. Vo Wi-Fi operates through a 5GC/EPC core network and an IMS network that relies on WLAN access, enabling basic voice services to function seamlessly over a packet network. This capability enhances the quality of vital communications, such as video calls and text messaging, particularly in areas with poor mobile signal, like private residences.

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Users enrolled in trial commercial services do not need to switch devices or SIM cards. They can access Vo Wi-Fi services within their home WLAN environment by upgrading their designated mobile devices, ensuring uninterrupted audio and video calls, as well as SMS across their homes.

Thanks to this feature, users can make and receive calls and send messages wherever Wi-Fi is accessible, eliminating concerns about weak signals in urban residential buildings. On May 20, 2022, China Telecom Shanghai launched the world's first end-to-end Vo Wi-Fi service, known as the First Call.

As early as the 4G era, telecom companies began exploring Vo Wi-Fi capabilities, and many devices are now equipped with Wi-Fi functionalities that can be activated via simple system upgrades.

Whether other carriers besides China Telecom will adopt the "WLAN call" feature on the iPhone remains to be seen.

Chapter 2: The iPhone 17 and Mechanical Aperture Innovation

According to reports, Apple is working towards implementing a mechanical aperture solution in the iPhone 17, allowing users to manually adjust the aperture for photography. This innovation enables clearer focus on subjects while blurring the background.

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Currently, Apple achieves similar effects through software-generated portrait modes. However, the mechanical aperture would provide a more authentic visual experience.

It remains unclear whether this feature will be available across all models of the iPhone 17 series or exclusively for the Ultra variant. Reports suggest that the release of the iPhone 17 series is scheduled for September 2025, with the mechanical aperture feature likely limited to the Ultra models.

What are your thoughts? Should Apple extend the mechanical aperture feature to other models? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below.

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