Apple Unveils N1 Chip: A Custom Silicon for iPhone Wireless Radios

Apple has announced the N1 chip, a custom-designed chip for iPhone Air's Bluetooth, WiFi, and Thread radios. The N1 improves wireless performance and power efficiency, replacing Broadcom chips used in previous iPhones. This marks the fourth core component Apple has replaced with its own design, following CPU, GPU, and cellular modem chips. The N1 is expected to be adopted across Apple's lineup in the future.

Apple has announced the introduction of the N1 chip, a custom-designed component for the iPhone Air's Bluetooth, WiFi, and Thread radios. The N1 chip is designed to significantly improve wireless performance and power efficiency, replacing the previously used Broadcom chips. This marks Apple's fourth core component replacement with its own design, following the A-series chips for CPU and GPU, and the C1 chip for the cellular modem in the iPhone 16e Apple announces the iPhone N1 chip, its own custom ...^[1].

The N1 chip is expected to enhance features like hotspot and AirDrop, providing a more seamless and efficient wireless experience. Apple's decision to develop its own chip for these functions aligns with its strategy of integrating more AI-driven capabilities into its devices. The company has been focusing on improving user experience and integrating advanced technologies to maintain its competitive edge in the market.

The unveiling of the N1 chip comes as part of Apple's broader strategy to introduce new iPhone models powered by advanced A19 and A19 Pro chips. The upcoming iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is expected to feature faster performance and significant feature upgrades. The new iPhone Air model is anticipated to be particularly thin, measuring less than 5.5 mm in thickness, as Apple continues to innovate in design and functionality Apple ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Today: Tech Giant To Unveil Next-Gen iPhone 17 Series With New A19 and A19 Pro Chips, Launch Thinner iPhone 17 Air Model^[2].

Investors are showing strong excitement for Apple's upcoming product launch, with the company's stock experiencing momentum in recent weeks. Analysts project that sales could climb by around 2 percent to 232 million iPhones in 2026, helping Apple maintain steady growth in its services business. The inclusion of the N1 chip in the iPhone Air and its potential adoption across Apple's lineup is likely to contribute to this growth.

Apple's expansion into new markets, such as India, also plays a significant role in its strategy. The growing consumer market and manufacturing hub in India could help Apple achieve further growth, mirroring the role that China has played in the company's success.

References:

Apple announces the iPhone N1 chip, its own custom ...^[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/09/09/apple-iphone-17-bluetooth-wifi/
Apple ‘Awe Dropping’ Event Today: Tech Giant To Unveil Next-Gen iPhone 17 Series With New A19 and A19 Pro Chips, Launch Thinner iPhone 17 Air Model^[2] https://www.latestly.com/technology/apple-awe-dropping-event-today-tech-giant-to-unveil-next-gen-iphone-17-series-with-new-a19-and-a19-pro-chips-launch-thinner-iphone-17-air-model-7101851.html