Heat
Phone hotspot
Hotspot use can add heat.Overheating can limit performance or connectivity.
Relay R1
Leave hotspot duty to R1.Your phone no longer handles your laptop’s data.
Relay R1White
Design visualization. Finishes are provisional.
Meet Relay R1
Made to match
your Mac.
What is Relay R1, and who is it for?
Relay R1 is a USB-C cellular card in development for MacBook users who want a connection separate from their phone. It is designed to carry power and data through one port, without a required driver or app. Supported cellular coverage and service are required.
Copy updated . Design and validation remain provisional.
In development. Supported cellular coverage and service required.
This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.
Relay or a phone hotspot?
A phone hotspot is a practical choice today if your phone and plan already meet your needs. R1 is being developed for MacBook users who want a dedicated cellular connection powered by their laptop. It is not yet available to buy, and its compatibility, thermal performance, coverage and service pricing remain unconfirmed.
| The difference | Phone hotspot | Relay R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Hotspot use can add heat.Overheating can limit performance or connectivity. | Leave hotspot duty to R1.Your phone no longer handles your laptop’s data. |
| Battery | Draws on your phone’s charge.Less left for the rest of your day. | Powered by your Mac.No separate battery to charge. |
| Range | Keep your phone close.Out of Wi-Fi range, your laptop disconnects. | Take your phone with you.R1 stays connected to your Mac through USB-C. |
| Reconnecting | Idle can mean disconnected.iPhone hotspots disconnect when unused to save battery. | No hotspot to rejoin.R1 uses your Mac’s built-in wired networking. |
| Connection | Cellular. Then Wi-Fi.Two wireless links to depend on. | Cellular. Then USB-C.A direct connection to your Mac. |
Battery
Phone hotspot
Draws on your phone’s charge.Less left for the rest of your day.
Relay R1
Powered by your Mac.No separate battery to charge.
Range
Phone hotspot
Keep your phone close.Out of Wi-Fi range, your laptop disconnects.
Relay R1
Take your phone with you.R1 stays connected to your Mac through USB-C.
Reconnecting
Phone hotspot
Idle can mean disconnected.iPhone hotspots disconnect when unused to save battery.
Relay R1
No hotspot to rejoin.R1 uses your Mac’s built-in wired networking.
Connection
Phone hotspot
Cellular. Then Wi-Fi.Two wireless links to depend on.
Relay R1
Cellular. Then USB-C.A direct connection to your Mac.
Compares Wi-Fi hotspots. Auto-join can ease reconnection. R1’s thermal performance and full compatibility remain unvalidated. Supported cellular coverage and service required.
Explore R1One port.
Power and data.
Designed for USB-C MacBooks from 2018 onward. macOS 12 or newer. Full compatibility validation pending.
For agents on your Mac
Work beyond Wi-Fi.
R1 is designed to connect local agents over cellular. Keep your Mac powered and awake, with sleep prevention enabled and supported service.
Stay in the loop.
R1 development and launch updates.