The iPhone 14 series, with Pro models equipped with the Apple A16 Bionic chip, was released in early 2022. Now, according to a recent report, Apple will equip the iPhone 15 series Pro models with its new chip—the Apple A17. It is believed that Apple is focusing more on improving battery life with this chip, rather than performance. Apple is likely to use the 3-nanometer shrink process from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) to produce the Apple A17 chip.
A recent report from MySmartPrice claims that the Apple A17 chip, introduced for the iPhone 15 series, may contribute to improved battery life. This assumption is based on rumors suggesting that the 3nm process from TSMC will create chips that offer better power and energy efficiency.
According to TSMC chairman Mark Liu, 3nm chips will provide better performance than 5nm chips while consuming approximately 35% less energy. The vague description of power but a more specific figure for battery life can be seen as a clue for what to expect from TSMC’s 3nm chips.
It is expected that the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will be equipped with this 3nm Apple A17 chip. Meanwhile, the base model in the series may still feature the Apple A16 Bionic chip. Additionally, the iPhone 15 series may see an increase in RAM capacity from 6GB to 8GB.
Apple may also equip the iPhone 15 smartphones with an upgraded sensor from Sony. This sensor is expected to deliver twice the signal saturation level in each pixel compared to the standard one. It may also capture higher levels of light, reducing overexposure or underexposure in images.