3nm chip to faster 5G: what analysts expect from the Apple iPhone 16 series
The 2024 iPhone would be powered by Apple A18 processors, which would be based on a 3-nanometer architecture. According to a report from 9To5Mac, which includes an investor note from technology analyst Jeff Pu, the iPhone 16 series would feature Apple 3nm chips across all models, but in different configurations and different 5G modems.
According to Pu, in addition to a brand new processor, the base models of the iPhone 16 would include 8 GB of RAM instead of the 6 GB on the current generation models. For the iPhone 16 Pro models, the analyst said, Apple would use an A18 Pro chip that would be based on 3nm architecture, but with different configurations characterized by different 5G modems.
For reference, the Snapdragon X75 modem was launched in February last year. Qualcomm said the Snapdragon X75 introduces a new architecture and software package and is the first modem to support 5G Advanced for faster 5G download and upload speeds compared to the X70.
Beyond these changes, Pu said, the iPhone 16 Pro would have an improved 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor – a significant upgrade over the 12MP on the iPhone 15 Pro. This change is likely aimed at improving the spatial video recording capabilities of the Pro model to support the upcoming Vision Pro headset. Pu also stated that the Pro model would support the recently announced Wi-Fi 7, while the base models would support Wi-Fi 6E.
READ ALSO: Apple to offer limited Vision Pro headsets for sale at launch on February 2: report
iPhone 16 series: expected changes
Processor: A18 (iPhone 16, 16 Plus)/ A18 Pro (iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max)
RAM: 8 GB RAM (iPhone 16, 16 Plus)
Camera: 48 MP ultra-wide (iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max), periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom (iPhone 16 Pro)
Screen: 6.3 inches (iPhone 16 Pro), 6.9 inches (iPhone 16 Pro Max)
Modem: Qualcomm Snapdragon X75 (iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max), Qualcomm Snapdragon X70 (iPhone 16, 16 Plus)
Buttons: Solid-state action button and record button (all models)
Other: Enhanced Microphone for AI with Siri (all models), Wi-Fi 7 (iPhone 16 Pro, Pro Max), Wi-Fi 6E (iPhone 16, 16 Plus)
First print: January 15, 2024 | 1:01 PM IST