According to a recent study by Ookla, Apple’s custom N1 networking chip, which incorporates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread radios in the iPhone 17 lineup, has significantly improved real-world Wi-Fi performance compared to the Broadcom chip used in the iPhone 16 models. Despite being limited to 160MHz channels and not fully utilizing Wi-Fi 7’s 320MHz channels, the N1 chip demonstrated up to a 40% increase in median download and upload speeds globally, with 60% faster 10th-percentile speeds than its predecessor.
The iPhone 17 family surpassed leading Android devices like the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25 in North America, achieving the highest median and 90th percentile Wi-Fi download speeds. This remarkable performance, especially in challenging Wi-Fi conditions, highlights the N1 chip’s ability to deliver consistent high-speed connectivity and outperform its competitors.
While the N1 chip’s technical specifications may appear similar to its predecessor on paper, real-world speed tests demonstrate a clear advantage for the iPhone 17 family. As North America witnesses the rise of 320MHz-capable Wi-Fi 7 routers, the N1 chip’s prowess in maintaining superior performance will continue to be tested, solidifying its position as a key component in smartphone connectivity.
Source: The Verge