Kuo’s latest prediction, posted on Twitter, suggests that an upgraded UWB processor, presently known as the U1 chip, is part of Apple’s strategic plan to “aggressively upgrade hardware specifications to build a more competitive ecosystem for Vision Pro.” The ecosystem’s success, he suggests, hinges on the integration with other Apple hardware products and key specifications like Wi-Fi and UWB.
The iPhone 15 is likely to boast an upgraded UWB, transitioning from a 16nm to a more advanced 7nm production process. This could result in either improved performance or a reduction in power consumption for nearby interactions.
The U1 chip first made its appearance in the iPhone 11, enabling location-based features like Find My, Precision Finding, and AirDrop. It’s also found in other Apple devices, including the Apple Watch Series 6, HomePod mini, second-generation HomePod, AirTag trackers, and the charging case for the second-generation AirPods Pro.
Looking beyond the iPhone 15, Kuo predicts the iPhone 16 will support Wi-Fi 7, which he says “will be more conducive to Apple’s integration of hardware products running on the same local network and provide a better ecosystem experience.
As the next milestone in Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 7 is touted to deliver speeds of “at least 30” gigabits per second, with potential to reach up to 40Gbps, as per the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset, unveiled earlier this month at WWDC, is set to launch in early 2024. There’s also a more affordable model reportedly in the pipeline for a late 2025 release.