Tag: iPhone 18

  • Apple A20 Could Upgrade to TSMC’s 2nm Process, 15% Faster

    Apple A20 Could Upgrade to TSMC’s 2nm Process, 15% Faster

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 18 series is expected to use TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing technique for its A20 SoC, offering a 15% performance boost over the A19 chips.
    2. Earlier reports mistakenly suggested the A20 would stick with TSMC’s 3nm process, but updated analysis confirms the shift to 2nm.
    3. TSMC will begin accepting orders for 2nm wafers, with Apple likely being the first customer for the A20 chip.
    4. The iPhone 17 series will continue using the 3nm process with slight performance improvements due to higher transistor density.
    5. Both the iPhone 17 and 18 series may feature silicon-carbon batteries for increased capacity without added thickness.

    There has been a flurry of speculation and leaks regarding Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 series, which is set to debut next year, even before the iPhone 17 series has been revealed. Recent developments suggest that Apple is likely to adopt TSMC’s 2nm manufacturing technique for its A20 SoC, which will drive the iPhone 18 series. This change could provide the SoC with a boost of around 15% in performance compared to the A19 chips.

    Changes in Chip Manufacturing

    Earlier reports indicated that Apple would remain with TSMC’s 3nm process for the A20 chips, similar to the A19, meaning no significant performance enhancement. However, a different industry analyst has confirmed that the A20 chips will actually utilize TSMC’s 2nm process. In addition, a report from Economic News Daily claims that this innovative manufacturing method could result in a 15% performance increase over the 3nm, all while maintaining the same power consumption levels.

    Potential Orders and Production

    Another source has mentioned that TSMC is poised to begin accepting orders for its 2nm wafers, with Apple possibly being the first to place an order for its A20 chip utilizing this new process.

    The iPhones currently available are powered by the Apple A18 SoCs, which are built on the 3nm process. It is expected that the iPhone 17 series will continue using this same manufacturing technology. However, it is anticipated to offer slight improvements in performance compared to the existing generation, thanks to a higher transistor density made possible by an enhanced 3nm process.

    Battery Innovations

    For both the iPhone 17 and 18 series, Apple is rumored to implement silicon-carbon batteries that boast greater capacity without adding to the thickness of the devices.

    It’s important to remember that Apple has not released any official details regarding the iPhone 17 or 18 series, so take this information with caution.

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  • Apple A20 Will Not Use TSMC’s 2nm Technology in 2026

    Apple A20 Will Not Use TSMC’s 2nm Technology in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Apple A20 chip will be released with the iPhone 18 in 2026, but it won’t be made using TSMC’s advanced N2 node as previously expected.
    2. The A20 will instead use TSMC’s N3P node, the same technology as the A19 chip scheduled for release this year.
    3. The A20 will feature TSMC’s CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate) packaging to differentiate it from the A19.
    4. TSMC’s 2 nm node is set to begin mass production in late 2025, which aligns with the timeline for the Apple A20 chips.
    5. The upcoming Apple M5 chip for iPad Pros will also use N3P technology, likely due to rising wafer costs.

    There has been a lot of talk about Apple’s A20 chip, which is expected to come out with the iPhone 18 in 2026. Some wild stories suggest that Intel Foundry might be involved in making it. However, it seems unlikely that Apple would switch to using the 18A tech so quickly, especially since it has strong partnerships with TSMC. Recently, 9to5Mac has shared some new details about the A20 that might not sit well with some die-hard Apple supporters.

    Manufacturing Details

    In a twist from previous information, the Apple A20 will not be produced on TSMC’s advanced N2 node as once thought. Instead, it will remain on the N3P node, which is also the same one used for the A19 chip set to release this year. To set the A20 apart from its predecessor, it will feature TSMC’s sought-after CoWoS (Chip on Wafer on Substrate) packaging.

    Future Production Plans

    According to TSMC’s plans, its 2 nm node is expected to begin mass production in the second half of 2025, aligning with the schedule for the Apple A20 chips for the iPhone 18. Even the upcoming Apple M5 chip for the iPad Pros will stick with the N3P technology, likely due to the rising costs of wafers. N2 is TSMC’s first technology to utilize Nanosheets (gate-all-around), which should bring noticeable improvements in performance, efficiency, and thermal management.

    MacRumors has indicated these developments may change the expectations for Apple’s future chip advancements.

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  • Apple Analyst Reveals Exciting Camera Upgrades for iPhone Pro

    Apple Analyst Reveals Exciting Camera Upgrades for iPhone Pro

    The iPhone 17 lineup is still nearly a year from its launch. However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has already shifted his focus to what Apple might reveal in 2026. He has particularly highlighted the potential for major camera upgrades with what he refers to as ‘the 2026 high-end iPhone 18’.

    Speculations on iPhone Models

    Kuo doesn’t explicitly mention the model names, but it’s likely he’s referring to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. To give some context, Apple is expected to debut a new 48 MP periscope telephoto camera with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which we talked about during the summer. Even more significant enhancements could be on the horizon for the next iteration.

    Exciting Camera Innovations

    As per Kuo, Apple is aiming to incorporate a variable aperture feature for the main cameras on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. While detailed information is limited at this stage, Kuo projects that Sunny Optical Technology and Luxshare will be the primary and secondary suppliers respectively.

    In theory, a variable aperture would enable the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to achieve a superior depth of field compared to current competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra (currently $945 on Amazon). Nevertheless, it’s uncertain if Apple will match the advancements made by Huawei or Xiaomi, who have been able to create flagship devices with f/1.6-4.0 and f/1.4-4.0 variable apertures, respectively.

    Ming-Chi Kuo, Sayan Majhi (Unsplash) – Image credit

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  • Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    Samsung to Supply iPhone Camera Sensors by 2026, Challenging Sony

    In a potential shake-up for the smartphone camera market, Samsung is reportedly preparing to challenge Sony’s long-standing role as the exclusive supplier of image sensors for Apple’s iPhones.

    According to respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the South Korean tech giant is poised to enter Apple’s privileged supply chain by 2026. They plan to introduce a 1/2.6-inch, 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera sensor for the iPhone 18 series.

    Samsung Forms Dedicated Team to Enter Apple’s iPhone Supply Chain

    To accomplish this ambitious goal, Samsung has set up a dedicated team solely focused on meeting Apple’s rigorous standards. This strategic move marks a significant industry shift, as Samsung seeks to diversify its camera sensor business and penetrate the lucrative iPhone market.

    The potential inclusion of Samsung in Apple’s supply chain is anticipated to have extensive implications. It could heighten competition between the two tech giants, fostering innovation and pushing the limits of smartphone camera technology. Moreover, Apple’s decision to diversify its suppliers could lead to cost savings, enabling the company to offer more competitive pricing or reinvest in other product development areas.

    Supplier Diversification and Market Implications

    Although Sony has been a dependable partner for Apple over the years, concerns about supply chain stability and the integration of new camera technologies have reportedly prompted Apple to consider alternative options. Samsung’s advanced imaging capabilities and manufacturing expertise position it as a strong candidate to fill this gap.

    However, becoming an iPhone supplier is no easy feat. Samsung will need to prove its ability to meet Apple’s exacting quality standards, ensure consistent performance, and adhere to strict production timelines. If successful, this partnership could cement Samsung’s status as a global leader in image sensor technology.

    As competition intensifies, consumers can look forward to even more remarkable camera features and capabilities in future smartphones.

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