Overview

• The A19 Pro adds neural accelerators to its GPU cores, delivering MacBook Pro–class on‑device AI performance for specific workloads, according to Apple executives.
• Apple’s N1 wireless chip ships across all iPhone 17 models with Wi‑Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread, improving features like Personal Hotspot and AirDrop.
• Co‑design of A19 Pro and N1 enables background connectivity and high‑accuracy location with fewer wake‑ups of the main processor, which Apple says cuts power use and reduces reliance on GPS.
• The C1X modem in the iPhone Air is billed as up to twice as fast as Apple’s first‑gen C1 and 30% more energy‑efficient than the Qualcomm modem in iPhone 16 Pro, though higher‑end iPhone 17 models continue to use Qualcomm hardware.
• A research firm CEO told CNBC that Qualcomm still leads in raw 5G throughput and noted C1X lacks mmWave, while Apple highlighted thermal upgrades like a laser‑welded vapor chamber in iPhone 17 Pro and plans for some chip production at TSMC’s Arizona site.