iPhone 17 Users Experience Faster and More Stable Connections Worldwide
[Updated: November 19, 2025] Apple’s new N1 network chip in the iPhone 17 is already showing remarkable Wi-Fi performance improvements, according to Speedtest Intelligence by Ookla. Despite specs that closely resemble the Broadcom chip in the iPhone 16, the N1 delivers faster and more stable connectivity, especially in the SEA region and North America, outperforming flagship Android devices such as the Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25 during the same period.
Performance Highlights of the N1 Chip
The N1 chip limits channel width to 160MHz, rather than fully supporting the 320MHz bandwidth of Wi-Fi 7. However, this limitation does not impact real-world usage. Users experience significant speed improvements in everyday scenarios without relying on maximum Wi-Fi specifications.
Data collected over the first six weeks after the iPhone 17 launch shows median download and upload speeds up to 40% higher than the iPhone 16 globally. At the 10th percentile, speeds are 60% faster, demonstrating the N1 chip’s ability to maintain performance even in low or unstable signal conditions.
In North America, the iPhone 17 achieves a median download speed of 416.14 Mbps and a 90th percentile peak of 976.39 Mbps, surpassing both Pixel 10 and Galaxy S25, despite their support for full 320MHz Wi-Fi 7 channels. Ookla notes that these figures highlight the chip’s superior real-world efficiency across various network conditions.
Optimized for Real-World Use
While Wi-Fi 7 routers with 320MHz channels are gradually increasing in availability, the N1 chip emphasizes stability and reliability over chasing maximum theoretical speeds. This approach reflects Apple’s philosophy of prioritizing practical performance for everyday users, rather than pushing the limits of hardware specifications.
In conclusion, the N1 chip elevates the iPhone 17 experience by delivering faster, more consistent Wi-Fi connectivity, particularly in congested or fluctuating signal environments. Users in the SEA region and beyond can expect smoother streaming, faster downloads, and more dependable connections, even in challenging real-world conditions.
Reference: The Verge
