According to CTEE (via AppleInsider), Apple might equip both the standard iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro with the next-generation A18 chip. This would bridge the performance gap that has traditionally separated these tiers, significantly boosting the base models.
Apple has reportedly increased its chip orders from TSMC, anticipating significantly higher sales. The company aims to sell between 90 million and 100 million iPhone 16 units, a 10-million unit jump from the 80-90 million iPhone 15 and 15 Pro sales reported last year.
This sales target hike suggests Apple might be particularly confident in the iPhone 16 lineup, perhaps due to the rumored performance parity across models.
Adding fuel to the fire, MacRumors discovered iOS code hinting at a uniform chip across the iPhone 16 lineup. The code reveals model numbers for the iPhone 16 series ranging from 17.1 to 17.5. Traditionally, these numbers correspond to the chip family. A consistent “17” suggests all models will share the same chip generation.
This aligns perfectly with recent rumors – equipping all iPhone 16 models with the A18 chip would allow Apple to democratize Apple Intelligence features. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro, powered by the A17 Pro, can fully utilize this advanced functionality.
While these are just rumors, Apple’s increased chip order hints at their optimism for the iPhone 16. Only time will tell if they hit their ambitious sales target.
