Apple will reportedly continue its dual-chip strategy.
A generally reliable leaker known as Mobile Phone Chip Expert claims Apple will continue its existing chip strategy next year. This means that there will be a standard A20 chipset that will presumably fuel the standard iPhone 18 handsets, and a Pro version intended for the higher-end models, including the rumored foldable iPhone.
The new chips will be manufactured on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's 2nm process, marking a full node shift from the existing 3nm chipset.
The iPhone fold won't be any faster than the iPhone 18 Pro
Smartphone manufacturers equip their bendable handsets with the same chips found on their conventional flagships. Thus, it might be something of a stretch to expect Apple to use a different chip for its foldable. That said, Apple does design separate chips for its tablets. That's why it may come as something of a shock for some customers to hear that the iPhone 18 Pro and the first iPhone foldable will get the same chipset.
Were you expecting the foldable iPhone to have a better chip?
Yes, the M series.
37.5%
No.
25%
I care more about software.
37.5%
The chip will be plenty powerful
The A20 Pro will be among the first 2nm chips, and will likely represent greater performance and efficiency gains than what we have seen over the last few years. The iPhone Fold, or whatever it ends up being called, should perform well with this chipset.
Apple is expected to transition from the InFO (Integrated Fan-Out) packaging to the Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology for the chip. This may result in RAM getting integrated onto the same wafer as the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine, leading to speedier performance and better power efficiency.
The iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone are expected to arrive in the second half of 2026, while the other members of the lineup will be launched in spring 2027.
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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.
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