Apple Likely to Introduce Its New A18 Chip to Entire iPhone 16 Series

As the launch of Apple’s next-generation iPhones approaches, expected in early September 2024, the iPhone 16 series is anticipated to bring numerous upgrades, including enhanced displays and longer battery life. A recent report suggests that Apple plans to unify its iPhone 16 lineup by introducing the A18 chip across all models this year.

Historical Context

Apple has a history of differentiating its iPhone models through their processors. For example, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus feature the A16 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with the A17 Bionic chip. This practice has allowed Apple to create a clear distinction between its standard and Pro models.

New Developments

Recent discoveries in Apple’s backend code by Nicolás Alvarez, shared with MacRumors, indicate that four new iPhone models will feature the same A18 chip. This marks a significant shift from Apple’s usual practice. The identified model numbers—iPhone17,1 through iPhone17,5—suggest a consistent use of the A18 chip across all devices in the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Potential Differentiation

Despite the uniformity in the chip, Apple is expected to differentiate between the standard and Pro models. One possibility is that Apple might offer variations in performance by adjusting the number of GPU cores in the chips. For instance, the A18 chips in the non-Pro models might have fewer GPU cores compared to the A18 Pro chips in the Pro models.

Another possibility is that the A17 chip could be rebranded as the A18 after undergoing a new manufacturing process at TSMC. This would allow Apple to present the A17’s design as a new generation while still introducing an A18 Pro chip with enhanced graphics and AI capabilities for the Pro models.

Integration with Apple Intelligence

The integration of the A18 chip across the iPhone 16 series is likely influenced by the upcoming Apple Intelligence features set to debut in iOS 18. These features require a powerful chip for on-device AI processing. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are set to receive Apple Intelligence, but Apple aims to extend this capability to all future devices.

Additional Features

The iPhone 16 series is also speculated to mark a shift from physical buttons to capacitive, touch-sensitive ones powered by Apple’s Taptic Engine, simulating real button presses through haptic feedback. The camera layout will also see a redesign, with the standard models featuring a vertical camera array and new Capture and Action buttons.

Display enhancements are expected, including larger screens with thinner bezels for the Pro models and a potential upgrade to a 120Hz refresh rate for the standard models. Battery life improvements are anticipated across the lineup, with larger batteries promising longer usage times. The Pro models are also likely to see significant camera upgrades, including a super telephoto periscope camera, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, and new anti-reflective optical coating technology for better image quality.

Summary

• Launch Date: Early September 2024
• Unified Chip: A18 chip across all iPhone 16 models
• Historical Context: Shift from Apple’s usual practice of differentiating models by processors
• Model Numbers: iPhone17,1 through iPhone17,5
• Potential Differentiation: Variations in GPU cores or rebranding of A17 as A18
• Apple Intelligence: Integration with iOS 18 features requiring powerful on-device AI processing
• Additional Features:
  • Capacitive, touch-sensitive buttons
  • Redesigned camera layout
  • Display enhancements, including larger screens and 120Hz refresh rate
  • Battery life improvements
  • Significant camera upgrades for Pro models