Katarzyna Petru
Apple is taking another step towards full independence from external suppliers. After processors, GPUs, display drivers, and modems, it's now time for the N1 network chip. This chip supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, while also paving the way for a completely new audio standard that could replace Bluetooth in the future.
N1 – a new era of connectivity in the iPhone
So far, Apple has used Broadcom chips in the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Now, in the iPhone 17, the first fully proprietary chip for wireless networks makes its debut. Apple emphasizes that Personal Hotspot and AirDrop work faster and more reliably on it, and this is just the beginning.
This is another step towards total control over hardware – similar to before with Qualcomm modems, which are already being replaced by Apple’s own solutions.
ChooseTV AVS – an alternative to Bluetooth
The most interesting thing is what's quietly being implemented by Apple. The new protocol Spatial Relay Audio-Visual Sync (ChooseTV AVS) is set to replace Bluetooth LE Audio in the future and compete with Qualcomm's solutions.
We're talking about lossless audio, no latency, and massive bandwidth – in other words, something that changes the way iPhones, AirPods, Vision Pro, and HomePods communicate with each other. Apple calls this the foundation for its spatial computing strategy, and it's hard to disagree.
Apple TV will also get N1
Bloomberg reports that the N1 chip will soon be available not only in iPhones but also in Apple TV, HomePods, iPads, and Macs. The new TV box is expected to appear by the end of 2025.
In practice, this could mean better audio connections between AirPods, HomePods, and AirPlay devices, creating an even more cohesive ecosystem. If this proves true, Bluetooth in the Apple world may slowly become a thing of the past.
Function | SPR AVS (Apple) | Bluetooth LE Audio | Snapdragon Sound (Qualcomm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Latency | <10 ms (real-time sync between devices) | ~20–30 ms (LC3 codec) | ~20 ms (aptX Adaptive) |
Sound Quality | True lossless (Apple proprietary) | LC3 codec: efficient, but lossy | aptX Lossless: up to 24-bit/96 kHz |
Bandwidth Efficiency | Dynamic allocation depending on context | Optimised for low power consumption and shared streams | Variable bitrate (279–860 kbps) |
Multi-Device Synchronisation | Native sync between iPhone, AirPods, Vision Pro | Limited; supports audio sharing | Limited to Qualcomm-certified devices |
Sensor Integration | Real-time data fusion from sensors (motion, biometrics) | No support | No support |
Privacy and Security | Peer-to-peer relay with encryption | Standard Bluetooth encryption | Standard Bluetooth encryption |
Platform Compatibility | Exclusive to Apple (iOS 26+) | Multi-platform (Android, part of iOS) | Android only |
Applications | Spatial audio, real-time translation, AR/VR | Audio sharing, hearing aids, energy-efficient earbuds | Hi-res music, gaming, voice calls |
