Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, along with the unveiling of the new iPhone Air, contained significant hardware surprises. Contrary to rumors, the iPhone Air isn’t just a new phone; it also comes with two new, state-of-the-art, in-house chips: the C1X modem and the N1 chip. Here are the details.
Faster and Efficient: C1X Modem
Apple’s new cellular modem, the C1X, is a successor to the C1 modem previously introduced in the iPhone 16e. The company decided to use this brand-new chip in the new iPhone Air instead of the older modem. According to Apple, the C1X offers up to two times faster data speeds than the original C1.

This new modem is specifically optimized for the iPhone Air, which stands out for its ultra-thin design. Apple claims that the C1X consumes up to 30 percent less power than the modem in the iPhone 16 Pro. This provides a significant advantage in terms of battery life.
A Revolution in Wireless Connectivity: The N1 Chip
Another chip Apple designed in-house is the N1. This chip manages wireless connections such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Thread. Previously using Broadcom chips for these functions, Apple has begun using its own hardware in this area with the N1.
The N1 chip was specifically developed to provide better wireless performance and energy efficiency. Apple highlights significant performance improvements, particularly for features like Hotspot and AirDrop.
This move demonstrates that Apple is taking control of its wireless chips (Apple Silicon), following its in-house-developed processors and graphics units. While the N1 chip was first featured in the iPhone Air, it is expected to be used in other Apple products soon.
So, what are your thoughts on this? Share your thoughts in the comments.