[Update] Which Apple devices have the U1 chip?

For the new functions in the “Where is?” Network and for the use of Apple AirTags, the U1 chip for use. The “U” stands for “ultra broadband”. But in which Apple devices is the U1 chip installed for the exact wireless connection and location? We clarify that in this guide. You can also find more information about the component and its function here. Which battery is used in the Apple AirTag, By the way, you can find out about this with this link.

Note: This post was created in April 2021 and will be updated from time to time. 

Which Apple devices have the U1 chip?

In the following list you will find those Apple devices that have installed the U1 chip. It enables them to communicate via ultra-broadband and to locate other devices very precisely. The chip has been installed since 2019, as you can see here:

• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone 12mini
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 13mini
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• 14 iPhone Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 8
• apple watch ultra
• Apple HomePod mini
• Apple Air Tag
• Third-party devices and trackers for the “Where is?” Network

Information provided without guarantee; Change possible for recently introduced devices

What can and does the Apple U1 chip do?

You may have noticed the direction display when using the newer iPhones from the 11, 12, 13 or 14 series AirDrop noticed. Apple's U1 chip provides this precise location and helps send data to exactly the devices it needs to be sent to - simply by pointing the device you want to send from there. 

When pointing an iPhone at another iPhone, iPad, Mac, or the like, the device will appear first in the AirDrop list for sending files. In addition, the Apple U1 chip ensures extremely precise localization in the "Where is?" network. That's why it was also installed from the iPhone 11, because the AirTag was already planned there. 

U1 Chip: What is Ultra Broadband?

Ultra-broadband means that radio signals with high frequency are used in order to precisely localize the devices in the vicinity if the range is short. This enables location-based communication between HomePod mini speakers as well as the device-specific use of AirDrop as described above. 

Keynote on April 20, 2021 Apple has now also introduced AirTag. The trackers, which were leaked in advance as "AirTags", use the U1 chip and ultra-broadband radio to enable objects (luggage, keys, wallets, etc.) to be located quickly and extremely precisely. With the component, Apple devices get a kind of "spatial vision" on a digital basis.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.