iPhone 16 to Feature A18 on TSMC's N3E, Despite Sales Concerns

The A18 has been identified in leaked iOS 18 code as part of Apple's next iPhone 16 lineup, and while the A17 Pro was built using TSMC's first-generation 3nm process, the upcoming SoC is reported to use the upgraded N3E node.

With this transition, the A18 joins the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400 as the third smartphone chipset to use second-generation 3nm lithography, but one report also delves into the other upgrades coming to the iPhone 16 family, which should help the company increase sales in struggling markets.

Apple's A18 Reportedly Using TSMC's 'N3E' Process

Multiple times, it has been mentioned that the A18 will use TSMC's 'N3E' process, but the China Times has opted to repeat this information. We don't know whether Apple plans to rebrand the A17 Pro and use the “A18” moniker for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus while using the A18 Pro for the more expensive models, but there is evidence that the California-based company may have two A-series chips ready in the fourth quarter.

According to a Geekbench 6 leak, the A18 Pro got an unparalleled single-core performance, but its multi-core score lagged behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400. We're sure to see revised scores before the iPhone 16 launches, so don't be disappointed for now.

To address a sales decline, notably in China, the enhanced silicon will be supported by other advancements such as generative AI, an improved 48MP back camera, and larger display sizes of up to 6.9 inches.

Apple Faces Challenges: Analysts Predict iPhone 16 Sales Slowdown Amid Economic Slump

However, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo anticipated that Apple's shipments would fall 15% this year due to the iPhone 16's lack of enticing features, a position shared by Barclays analysts, whose research note highlighted the same reason for a sales slowdown, as per WCCFTech.

Apple is not the only corporation suffering from a sluggish economy; other technological firms are experiencing similar difficulties. However, the iPhone is Apple's cash cow, as seen by the company's Q1 2024 earnings, so it is in Apple's best interests to pack as many appealing features into the iPhone 16 as possible this year.

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