The custom U1 ultra-wideband chipset has enabled Apple to bring a handful of smart cross-platform applications and enhancements to its devices. And with the launch of the Vision Pro, Apple could be planning to upgrade the chip to allow better system integration with the headset starting on the iPhone 15.
Advantages Apple U2 ultra-wideband chip
The report came from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Through a tweet, he predicted that the Cupertino tech firm will introduce the 2nd generation or U2 chip on this year’s iPhone 15. The chip is said to be manufactured through the 7 nm node, which is a big step from the 16 nm process of the U1. At the same time, it is expected that it will improve power efficiency over its predecessor.
But another primary advantage of incorporating the new chip on iPhones is the upscaled integration with the Vision Pro AR/VR headset of the iPhone-maker. This could result in smoother hand-off of content from an iPhone going to the head-mounted wearable. More than this, it would likely boost usability for services like Find My, AirDrop, and Precision Finding across the company’s other platforms like Apple Watch, HomePod speakers, and AirPods headphones.
Wi-Fi 7 could support 16K video on the Apple iPhone 16
Besides the UWB chip, the same source also speculates that Apple is going to debut the iPhone 16 with Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. This is not surprising given the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that powers most high-end Android smartphones already supports the wireless standard.
There are several ways the users will benefit from the Wi-Fi 7. These include, but not limited to, up to four times the speed of Wi-Fi 6, drastically reduced latency, and longer range. More importantly, it could accommodate new applications like wireless gaming and even video streaming in 16K resolution both in mobile devices and AR/VR glasses.
Apple is set to release the Vision Pro in early 2024. The ultra-premium headset is already a standalone product of Apple. It runs on the visionOS and is fitted with dual M2 and R1 chipsets. So it would be interesting to see how these iPhone-based upgrades will be actually utilized on the Vision Pro.
Between Apple launching the iPhone 15 and the Vision Pro getting an enhanced iPhone pairing, which do you think is more exciting to look for? Hit us up with your answers in the comments.
