MediaTek might start shipping Wi-Fi chips for Apple Homepod

Apple HomePod, which is the first smart speaker introduced by Cupertino giant is ready to hit the stores in selected markets. Apple HomePod will go on sale Feb. 9 in the US, the UK and Australia. Apple says that the Wireless Speaker Brings Advanced Audio Technologies into Any Home for an Incredible Music Listening Experience.Now it is being reported that MediaTek might ship the Wi-Fi chips for the Apple Homepod device.

The reports from China Economic Daily suggest that the Taiwan-Based MediaTek will manufacture the application specific integrated circuit also called ASIC chips. MediaTek further revealed that it will use a 7mm processor to manufacture the Wi-Fi chip and the production will take place at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).
As per some reports on Economic Daily, MediaTek will first take the upcoming Homepad Wi-Fi custom chip orders before finalizing the order for iPhone chips.

Another report from DigiTimes suggests that MediaTek is meeting up the three key requirements that Apple expect from its suppliers. The three key requirements that Apple expect from its suppliers are 1) companies must offer leading technological competitiveness, 2) they must have comprehensive product blueprints, and they need reliable logistic support. 3) Further, it says that the company also has the capacity, technology, and pricing advantages to supply Apple with modems for the iPhone.
Further reports from the Gizmochina suggest that it seems like Apple is planning to drop Qualcomm as its supply partner all together, however it would be interesting to see what the collaboration of Apple and MediaTek has in store for us.

Let's quickly have the look at the key specs of Apple Homepod which is a smart Bluetooth speaker.

Apple HomePod is a 7-inch smart speaker with abilities to play music, check the news and control the other connected devices. The device uses spatial awareness in order to sense its location in any room and adjust the audio automatically. The HomePod can be operated via Siri.

The HonePod is powered by Apple's A8 chip. The company claims that the instructions given to the smart speaker are locally recognized on the device as well as encrypted on it for security purposes