Apple’s next-generation A16 chip will be dedicated to two high-end models, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, according to Taiwan-based research firm TrendForce. In a report focused on global smartphone production, TrendForce briefly mentioned that Apple plans to launch four new iPhone 14 models in the second half of 2022, but only the Pro models will feature Apple’s latest processors.
The report is in line with information shared by Tianfeng Securities Apple industry chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claimed in March that only the iPhone 14 Pro series models will be equipped with the A16 chip, while the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max models will continue to have the A15 chip. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman agreed in his April newsletter that the standard iPhone 14 model “may stick to last year’s A15 or its derivatives.”
“In addition to trying to make the Pro version stand out,” the ongoing chip shortage may have contributed to Apple’s decision to limit upcoming chips to iPhone 14 Pro models. That would be a departure from Apple’s current strategy of equipping all flagship iPhones with the same chip. For example, the iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max all feature the same A15 chip.
Without any major supply chain disruptions, Apple is expected to announce its iPhone 14 lineup at its regular event in September.