Apple to reserve 2nm chip for iPhone 18 Pro models
What's the story
Apple is planning to incorporate advanced 2nm processors in its next generation of iPhones, set for release in 2026. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, these high-tech chips will only be included in select models of the series due to cost concerns. While Kuo did not explicitly mention the Pro series, it is widely speculated that these models will be the recipients of this cutting-edge technology.
Chip production
TSMC to launch 2nm process in 2025
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, has announced plans to introduce its 2nm process in 2025. However, mass production of these processors is expected to miss the iPhone 17 Pro's launch timeline. This delay aligns with Kuo's prediction that the iPhone 17 range will utilize TSMC's next-generation N3P design based on a more advanced version of the existing N3E technology.
Twitter Post
Not all 18 series models will use 2nm chip
The processors for 2025 iPhone 17 models will be made by TSMC's N3P
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chiprocess/3-nanometer technology. The processor for 2026 iPhone 18 models is anticipated to use TSMC's 2-nanometer technology. However, due to cost concerns, not all new iPhone 18models may be equipped with a… Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 19, 2024
Processor allocation
Apple changed its strategy for iPhone 16 range
In the past, Apple has differentiated its smartphone lineup by equipping regular iPhones with processors from the previous year's Pro models. However, for the 2024 iPhone 16 series, Apple deviated from this trend by developing two new processors. The standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are powered by an A18 processor, while the Pro models boast an upgraded A18 Pro chip.