Katarzyna Petru
Apple is taking another step towards full independence from external suppliers. After processors, GPUs, display drivers, and modems, it is 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 may 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 iPhone 17, the first fully proprietary chip for wireless networks makes its debut. Apple emphasises that Personal Hotspot and AirDrop operate more quickly and reliably on it, and this is just the beginning.
This is another move towards complete control over hardware – similar to the earlier transition from Qualcomm modems, which are already being replaced by Apple’s own solutions.
SPR AVS – an alternative to Bluetooth
The most interesting aspect, however, is what Apple is quietly implementing. The new protocol Spatial Relay Audio-Visual Sync (SPR AVS) is set to replace Bluetooth LE Audio in the future and compete with Qualcomm's solutions.
We are talking about lossless audio, with no delays and enormous bandwidth – something that changes the way the iPhone, AirPods, Vision Pro, and HomePod communicate with each other. Apple calls it the foundation of its spatial computing strategy, and it's hard to disagree with that.
Apple TV will also receive 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 reportedly set to be released 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 to be true, Bluetooth in the Apple world will slowly begin to 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 |
