Apple appears set to equip all four iPhone 16 models with the new A18 chip, according to code discovered in Apple’s backend.
This move addresses the criticism faced when the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus were released with the A16 Bionic chip, while only the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max boasted the A17 Pro chip. This differentiation meant that only the Pro models could support Apple Intelligence, a decision that was not well-received by many users.
The news of a unified chip across all iPhone 16 models is a welcome change for Apple fans, ensuring that even the non-Pro models will have access to the latest technology. While there may still be a two-tier system, with the possibility of the Pro models receiving an A18 Pro or a variant with enhanced GPU capabilities, the base models will no longer be relegated to using the previous year’s chipset.
Specifically, if Apple maintains a tiered approach, the vanilla iPhone 16 models might feature fewer GPU cores, either binned or disabled. However, the significant leap to the A18 chip across the board is expected to enhance performance and user experience for all new iPhone models.
An intriguing detail emerging from Apple’s code is the identification of five new iPhone models. While four of these are likely the standard and Pro variants of the iPhone 16, the fifth model remains a mystery. Speculation is rife that this could be the next iPhone SE, potentially launching in early 2025. If this holds true, the iPhone SE would also benefit from the A18 chip, aligning it with the iPhone 16 family in terms of processing power.
This development highlights Apple’s response to user feedback and its commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology across its entire product range. The uniform adoption of the A18 chip is poised to offer a more consistent and high-performance experience to all iPhone users, setting a new standard for future releases.
