Apple Unveils Custom N1 Networking Chip in iPhone Air, Taking Control of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread

Apple is expanding its in-house silicon strategy with the debut of the N1 chip, introduced in the new iPhone Air. Unlike the company’s well-known processors that power the CPU and GPU, the N1 focuses entirely on connectivity, handling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread in a single integrated design.

The move represents Apple’s latest step in reducing reliance on outside suppliers. Until now, these wireless components were powered by Broadcom hardware. By bringing them under its own roof, Apple says it can deliver faster hotspot connections, smoother AirDrop transfers, and more efficient wireless performance overall.

The approach mirrors the transition that began with Apple Silicon CPUs and continued with the introduction of the custom C1 modem in the iPhone 16e.

Although the N1 debuts exclusively in the iPhone Air, it is expected to spread quickly across the rest of Apple’s lineup.