Apple's WWDC26 session introduces Bluetooth Channel Sounding for iOS, enabling apps to measure precise distance (and direction) to nearby Bluetooth accessories. Unlike RSSI-based estimation, Channel Sounding uses phase-based ranging across the 2.4GHz band for accurate distance measurement. Developers can integrate it via Core Bluetooth for distance-only use cases, or combine it with the Nearby Interaction framework for both distance and direction. The session covers API usage, accessory hardware requirements (Bluetooth 6.3, inline PCT, mode-0/mode-2 support, T_FCS ≥ 100µs), and notes that the feature requires iPhones with the N1 chip and is available in iOS 27.
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