Apple has quietly slipped a brand-new chip into its latest iPhones. The iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, all come with the N1 — a custom Apple-designed networking chip.
What is the N1 chip?
The N1 is all about connectivity. It handles Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, but the real magic is how Apple integrates it with the rest of the iPhone hardware and software. That deeper integration means more efficiency, less interference, and rock-solid reliability compared to the off-the-shelf chips Apple used to buy from suppliers like Broadcom.
Why Does It Matter?
Apple says the N1 boosts performance for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot, which should make file sharing and tethering more seamless. While iPhone 16 models already supported Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 is the real step forward here.
It brings better reliability in crowded spaces, lower latency for things like gaming, improved battery life with smarter sleep cycles, and upgraded multi-stream audio support that plays nicely with spatial audio. There are also meaningful improvements for hearing aid users.
Thread support sticks around too, letting your iPhone 17 directly connect to smart home devices that use the Thread standard. That means less reliance on hubs and a more responsive experience for HomeKit setups.
Battery Life Benefits
Apple also points out that the N1 contributes to some of the longest battery life ever on an iPhone. The iPhone 17 Pro, for instance, is rated for up to 39 hours of video playback — a number that beats many laptops.
Related: Apple’s iPhone Air MagSafe Battery: Why It Only Fits the Air
The Bigger Picture
This is Apple flexing its silicon muscle beyond CPUs and GPUs. By designing its own networking chip, Apple gains more control over performance and efficiency across the board. It also makes the iPhone 17 lineup stand out as one of the most future-ready smartphones when it comes to wireless standards.
Comments