Even though the iPhone 16 hasn’t hit stores yet, rumors about the iPhone 18 are already surfacing. According to reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, some 2026 iPhone models might feature a blazing-fast 2nm chip, boosting both speed and efficiency. However, this cutting-edge technology is expected to be exclusive to the Pro models, leaving the standard iPhone 18 with a less powerful 3nm chip.
This isn’t a surprising move from Apple, which has been differentiating its Pro models with more advanced processors in recent years. For example, the upcoming iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will have the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will feature the more powerful A18 Pro.
Both chips are built on a second-gen 3nm process, offering better performance than previous generations. However, the A18 Pro goes a step further with a six-core GPU, wider memory bandwidth, and larger caches, making it the clear winner in terms of raw power.
Looking ahead, Kuo predicts the iPhone 17 series, expected next year, will continue with 3nm chips across the board. It’s likely that we’ll see them branded as the A19 and A19 Pro. But what’s truly exciting is the anticipated leap to 2nm chips with the iPhone 18, which promises to bring another significant performance boost.
Although details about the 2nm chip are still scarce, we can expect improvements in both speed and power efficiency. Apple has made consistent strides in these areas, as seen with the A18 and A18 Pro chips in the iPhone 16 lineup. So, when the iPhone 18 series finally drops in 2026, the Pro models could easily outshine anything we’ve seen before.
As usual, though, the more advanced tech will come at a price. If you want the blazing-fast performance of the 2nm chip, you’ll likely have to opt for the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max, as the standard models may once again use 3nm processors. While it’s disappointing that these powerful upgrades won’t be available across the board, Apple’s strategy of reserving its top-tier hardware for the Pro models continues to drive demand for its premium products.
As we await more details on the iPhone 18, one thing is clear: Apple is poised to push the envelope yet again with its next generation of smartphones.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on any new developments and will share updates as they emerge.
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