Apple’s iPhone 15 (review) and recent iPhone generations were separated by having a different chipset for the non-Pro and Pro models, with the latter usually receiving the latest silicon that has superior performance and overall speed. It appears that the Cupertino tech manufacturer may remove this performance gap on the iPhone 16, as a new leak indicates a similar A18 chip powering the entire series.
As discovered by Mac Rumors based on the iOS 18 development code, and citing their unnamed sources, four unannounced iPhone models were hinted at. These are primarily believed to be the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, which are then internally referenced as D47, D48, D93, and D94, respectively.
The same A18 chip for all of Apple’s iPhone 16 range
Although there were no surprises concerning the naming convention, what caught our attention was the fact that the iOS 18 code contained all four models using a similar chipset labeled ‘t8140’. It added this system-on-chip carries the Tahiti codename and represents the custom A18 chip which is touted to power the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus based on an earlier rumor.
For what it’s worth, it seems Apple is enlisting the A18 chip for the iPhone 16 Pro (Max) as well, lending credence to the prediction by Jeff Pu. However, the company is still expected to rebrand the chip on the Pro models at launch, to better distinguish it from the vanilla iPhone 16 and possibly name it the A18 Pro to be consistent with this year’s A17 Pro.
Apart from the naming convention, it is unknown if Apple will differentiate the A18 Pro from the standard version by offering a processor or graphics unit with a higher clock speed. What’s more likely is how the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will offer larger memory configurations, which would also sit well with the rumored generative AI and more advanced camera capabilities on the duo.
Early specifications and changes in the Apple iPhone 16
Elsewhere, the iPhone 16 Pro is tipped to feature larger displays, updated rear cameras with a new 48 MP ultra-wide snapper, and better thermal design in the innards and battery component. The entire iPhone 16 models are also rumored to feature a new “capture” button and an integrated Action Button on the non-Pro iPhone 16.
In addition, the iPhone 16 is touted to carry over the OLED display of the iPhone 15 with a Dynamic Island cutout and a middling 60 Hz refresh rate. However, the two cheaper iPhone 16 models could get rearranged dual rear camera to support spatial video recording similar to this year’s iPhone 15 Pro (review).
Do you intend to buy the iPhone 16 if its chipset is as capable as the iPhone 16 Pro’s? We look forward to hearing your answers in the comments.
