Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is now available for smartphones. Currently, UWB continues to be one of the standout features on the iPhone 16.
UWB was previously available on the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 models. What’s new on the iPhone 16 isn’t UWB itself, but a more advanced version of the chip behind it — making the feature faster and more precise than ever.
As we already know, UWB technology on smartphones has the benefit of a location tracking device via GPS, providing exceptional accuracy to pinpoint locations, even down to a few centimeters.
This is also what the iPhone uses to power its UWB capabilities on the iPhone 16. In this article, we will provide information regarding the UWB features on the iPhone 16, what’s changed under the hood, and additional information regarding the emergency SOS feature.
What’s New in iPhone 16’s UWB Chip Compared to Older Models?
The iPhone 11 through the iPhone 14 all use Apple’s original UWB chip, known as the U1 chip. This chip was first introduced in 2019. However, starting with the iPhone 15, Apple switched to a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip.
Here are the changes introduced with the new chip:
- Greater range: It offers approximately three times the effective range, allowing for accurate detection and tracking from much greater distances.
- Improved accuracy: To support the Precision Finding feature, location tracking is now significantly more accurate. The phone can indicate the exact direction and how many steps away an item is.
- More efficient chip design: It’s smaller in size, resulting in better power efficiency and improved performance.
In short, UWB on the iPhone 16 will feel much faster and more accurate. This is thanks to the upgraded hardware that supports it.
UWB features on iPhone 16
One of the most useful applications of UWB on the iPhone 16 is more accurate device and accessory finding. This technology allows users to more accurately find compatible devices and accessories.
For example, when using an AirTag, users can track their belongings more precisely, making the experience of searching for lost items much easier.
The UWB sensor on the iPhone 16 is also quite useful for helping find lost items.
This feature can give you on-screen instructions on how to find lost items, such as keys, wallets, or bags.
Attach an AirTag accessory to an object (sold separately), and the iPhone 16 can track the object’s whereabouts. It is also suitable for playing scavenger hunts.
As well as AirTag tracking, the UWB technology in the iPhone 16 also plays a role in other everyday features.
- Guiding you to a friend’s phone that’s nearby in a crowded place
- Speeding up file sharing between two iPhones placed close together
- Enabling a more secure digital car key function on supported vehicles.
Emergency SOS feature on iPhone 16
Emergency SOS on a flagship cellphone still needs to be appreciated because not everyone has it.
This feature allows users to send emergency messages via satellite, even in areas with difficult signals.
Without the need for a cellular network or Wi-Fi, users can still send their location automatically to rescue teams. You can also send the location to friends or relatives.
You can also call 112 for emergency call services in Indonesia or emergency contacts that you have added yourself, such as friends, family members, or partners.
That’s the UWB information on the iPhone 16 that you can enjoy. Hopefully, in the future, the UWB feature can be further developed on various other smartphones.
