The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air are the first models to feature Apple’s new Apple N1 chip, which adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support. While this marks Apple’s move away from Broadcom for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth components, the N1 chip has a clear limitation: Wi-Fi 7 support is capped at 160 MHz channel bandwidth rather than the standard’s 320 MHz maximum.
FCC filings confirm that all of the new iPhone 17 models are restricted to 160 MHz. This means that even though Wi-Fi 7 is included, the devices cannot reach the full theoretical speeds that the standard allows. Wider 320 MHz channels offer double the potential throughput of 160 MHz, and some users were expecting Apple’s first in-house wireless chip to raise the bar. Instead, Apple has matched the same ceiling as last year’s iPhone 16 models, which also stopped at 160 MHz but relied on Broadcom hardware.
In everyday use, this limitation will go unnoticed by most people. Wi-Fi 7 still delivers fast speeds, reduced latency, and more stable connectivity when paired with a compatible router, even with 160 MHz channels. Internet providers, router performance, and environmental factors typically limit speed long before the phone’s theoretical maximum does. However, for enthusiasts who wanted Apple’s N1 chip to unlock 320 MHz bandwidth, this will be seen as a missed opportunity.
| Wi-Fi 7 channel bandwidth | Theoretical maximum throughput | Apple N1 chip (iPhone 17 lineup) |
|---|---|---|
| 160 MHz | ~2.4 to 5 Gbps | Supported |
| 320 MHz | ~4.8 to 10 Gbps | Not supported |
Apple has emphasized other benefits of the N1 chip, including improved reliability for features like AirDrop and Personal Hotspot, better Continuity performance, and greater power efficiency. Thread support also positions the chip for smart home integration in future products. Still, the debut of Apple’s first iPhone Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip highlights both progress in independence and the cautious pace of adoption for new wireless standards.
The Apple N1 chip is a step toward Apple’s goal of controlling more of the technology inside its devices, alongside the new C1X 5G modem and the established A- and M-series processors. While the N1 does not yet take full advantage of Wi-Fi 7, it signals that Apple is building the foundation for faster and more integrated connectivity in the years ahead.
(via MacRumors)
