After months of expectations, it was presented for the first time last night during the Keynote “Awe Dropping”: the new one in the range, the iPhone Air. With its 5.6 mm thick, it is the finest smartphone that Apple has ever left its factories, but that does not make it the ugly duck, far from it. If you can find a little to understand which audience it targets, you understand more easily (among others) Where does its wasp size design come from.
Two homemade chips beat under his shell: the C1X and the N1, symbols of itself of Apple’s fierce will to control all components equipping its products.
The C1X, heiress of a colossal investment
In 2019, Apple had spent $ 1 billion to get hold of Intel’s modem division. At the time, many doubted the group’s ability to properly digest this acquisition and to design its own chips to cut the cord with its competitor, Qualcomm. Almost six years after this takeover, one of the most important in Apple’s history, The C1X is proof that Apple had just seen.
The C1X is above all a modem, that is to say the chip that allows the iPhone to connect to mobile networks. It supports 5G Sub-6 GHz, which corresponds to the most used frequency bands in the world for 5G: they offer good flow rates (up to several hundred Mb/s) while keeping a very correct coverage. She also remains compatible with 4G LTEessential because, in most regions, the two technologies still coexist.
Compared to the first C1 which equips the iPhone 16th, Apple estimates that the C1X can ensure a flow twice as much to its little sister. A speed gain accompanied by more than a reduced energy consumption by 30 %; For the iPhone Air, which has a more compact battery, This allows him to get out of it with honors.
N1, new stone of the wireless ecosystem
Besides the C1X, Apple presented another novelty: the N1 chip, also integrated into the iPhone Air. It is she who supports All the connectivity of the device, outside the mobile network. Thanks to it, it is compatible with Wi-Fi 7, faster and more stable than previous generations, but also Bluetooth 6, which improves the scope and reduces the consumption of accessories like AirPods or Apple Watch.
She also supports the Thread Protocol, Developed for connected houseswhich allows you to directly pilot bulbs, thermostats or intelligent locks without going through an internet box.
An internal organization which is therefore reminiscent of those of recent MACS: components developed for Work jointly with the mistress of the aircraft (Here, the A19 Pro) by optimizing power and limiting the waste of energy.
Apple now largely has technical means for do without Qualcommit is indisputable. It is a safe bet that, in a year, the next generation of iPhone will also adopt these two components. The iPhone Air was perhaps just a little taste of the turn started by Cupertino in 2019. Qualcomm, former stormy and uncontrollable supplier, will soon be only a distant memoryan excess weight in the history of the iPhone.
- The iPhone Air is gaining in part in part thanks to two new Apple House chips: Modem C1X and N1 for wireless connectivity.
- The C1X doubles the speed of the first generation while reducing consumption by 30 %, a key asset for a more compact battery.
- With the C1X and the N1, Apple will probably start a final exit from its dependence on Qualcomm from the next generation of iPhone.
