Apple iPhone 17 Models Introduce N1 Wireless Networking Chip with Standard Wi-Fi 7 & Bluetooth 6 Support

Earlier this year, Apple marked its entry into the competitive 5G modem market with the introduction of the C1 chip featured in the iPhone 16e. With the recent launch of the iPhone 17 series, Apple has reached a significant milestone by integrating its new N1 wireless networking chip across all iPhone 17 models. This custom-designed chip replaces previously utilized third-party components from companies like Broadcom, allowing Apple to take greater control over the device’s wireless capabilities. Notably, the N1 enhances support for advanced technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, and Thread.

Enhancing Efficiency and Catalyzing Innovation with the N1 Chip

At the launch event, Apple highlighted that the N1 chip significantly boosts AirDrop and hotspot performance, ensuring faster and more reliable peer-to-peer transfers. While specific details about the manufacturing process remain undisclosed, it is speculated that similar to the C1, the N1 may also utilize TSMC’s advanced 4nm ‘N4P’ technology, which could enhance power efficiency by approximately 30% compared to Broadcom’s solutions. This efficiency is particularly crucial for thinner flagship models like the anticipated iPhone Air.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 across the iPhone 17 lineup enables connections through a 320MHz channel, theoretically doubling the speeds of Wi-Fi 6 and reaching remarkable rates of up to 46Gbps. Furthermore, this advanced wireless standard supports Multi-Link Operation (MLO), allowing devices to leverage multiple frequency bands—such as 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz—resulting in more stable connections and accelerated performance. Notably, connecting to Wi-Fi 7 access points also minimizes latency, enhancing user experience.

In terms of Bluetooth connectivity, Bluetooth 6.0 promises sub-20ms latency for all iPhone 17 models, providing a seamless audio experience when connecting to devices like AirPods. This technology not only enhances audio synchronization but also offers extended range, reduced energy consumption, and enhanced security features. Additionally, the N1 chip enables better integration with smart home devices through Thread Protocol Support, improving the responsiveness and reliability of HomeKit-compatible accessories.

The strategic pairing of the C1X 5G modem with the N1 chip offers prospective iPhone Air users a notable advantage. This combination allows Apple to maintain stricter oversight of both hardware and software aspects, paving the way for optimized performance and energy management based on user data consumption. As soon as real-world battery life data is available with both wireless chips in operation, we will share our findings, so keep an eye out for updates!

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