Apple's iPhone Air features new A19 Pro chip with AI-optimized GPU neural accelerators, custom N1 wireless chip, and C1X modem, marking full control over core iPhone silicon and advancing on-device AI capabilities.

Apple has unveiled a major shift in its iPhone design with the launch of the iPhone Air, introducing a new chip architecture that underscores its growing focus on artificial intelligence. At the heart of the device is the A19 Pro chip, which features a significant architectural upgrade: neural accelerators embedded directly into each GPU core. This advancement boosts on-device AI performance and marks a pivotal step in Apple’s strategy to control its core silicon. Tim Millet, Apple’s vice president of platform architecture, emphasized the benefits of in-house chip development. “That’s where the magic is. When we have control, we are able to do things beyond what we can do by buying a merchant silicon part,” he said during an exclusive interview at Apple Park. The new design allows for seamless switching between traditional 3D rendering and AI processing tasks, delivering machine learning capabilities on par with those found in high-end MacBooks—now available in a smartphone. Alongside the A19 Pro, Apple introduced two new custom chips: the N1 wireless chip, used across the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air, and the second-generation C1X modem. The N1 enhances Wi-Fi performance by enabling background location awareness without relying on GPS, reducing power consumption and improving efficiency. Arun Mathias, Apple’s vice president of wireless software technologies, explained that this allows the device to stay aware of its surroundings without waking up the main processor, saving battery life. The C1X modem represents Apple’s continued effort to reduce reliance on Qualcomm, which has supplied modems since 2020. While Qualcomm’s chips remain in the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, the C1X powers the iPhone Air. According to Mathias, the C1X is up to twice as fast as its predecessor and uses 30% less energy. Analyst Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies noted that while the C1X may not yet match Qualcomm’s peak throughput, Apple’s control over the design allows for better power efficiency and future optimization. He expects Apple to fully phase out Qualcomm modems within the next few years. Apple’s push for full control over core chips extends beyond the iPhone. The company is now designing all major silicon components—including modems and wireless chips—for its entire product line. Bajarin predicts future Macs and iPads will also feature Apple’s custom modems and networking chips, with the N1 and C1X likely to appear across devices. Manufacturing remains a key part of Apple’s strategy. The A19 Pro is built on TSMC’s 3-nanometer process, with production currently centered in Taiwan. However, Apple is investing heavily in U.S. manufacturing, including a $600 billion commitment over four years. This includes a partnership with TSMC’s new Arizona fabrication facility, which Apple views as critical for supply chain resilience and time zone advantages. While the U.S. chip production is still in early stages, Apple is exploring options like Intel’s 14A process, though Bajarin cautioned it will be years before Intel becomes a viable alternative. For now, Apple remains committed to TSMC’s Arizona campus as a key part of its end-to-end silicon supply chain. Apple’s move to integrate neural accelerators into GPU cores signals a broader vision: building the most capable on-device AI experience. With privacy, performance, and control at the forefront, Apple is positioning its devices as the ideal platform for developers and users alike. As Millet put it, “We are building the best on-device AI capability that anyone else has.”