The iPhone 11 came to us in September of last year. At the presentation of the new devices Apple presented its U1 chip, a chip that integrates Ultra Wideband or UWB (Ultra Wideband) technology. This technology presents improvements in three aspects: transmission speed, spatial awareness and increased security. East U1 chip is also carried by the new Apple Watch Series 6. Although the importance of this chip in the Apple Watch has not yet officially transpired, we can already get an idea of Apple's plans taking into account the rumors of recent months.
The Ultra Wide Band comes to the Apple Watch with the U1 chip
La Ultra Wideband or Ultra Wideband it is characterized by operating in bandwidths greater than 500 MHz. These frequencies are above other technologies such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks. The The operation of this ultra-wide band is based on calculating distances based on the time it takes for a signal to return. In this way, the device is able to calculate how far away another device is with this technology. However, by way of comparison, Bluetooth technology also allows distance estimation but by measuring the signal strength. This technology and its mechanism is the key to the Google and Apple API to determine exposures against COVID-19.
The advantages of the ultra-wide band are basically three: low consumption, low cost and high productivity. Apple implemented this technology in its U1 chip made available to users of the iPhone 11. At the moment, the only use of this chip has been to improve the transmission and the user experience when exchanging files using AirDrop. However, we know for sure that the new Apple Watch Series 6 brings with it this U1 chip.
Why do we want the UWB on the Apple Watch?
There are many unknowns around the U1 chip and Apple since at the moment only the iPhone 11 and the Apple Watch Series 6 carry it. Apple is likely to have an ace up its sleeve, especially considering the upcoming introduction of the AirTags. These location labels could also carry a U1 chip and, using other devices with the same technology, their location would be very easy. Other functions such as the car opening by zooming in on the clock whose detection is given by the proximity of the device to the car.
However, all are speculations. Until we have an official announcement of some fundamental application for this U1 chip we will not know with certainty Apple's plans. Although at the moment the only thing clear that we have is that the U1 chip is here to stay.