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Leaked: Apple’s Plans for 2nm iPhone Processor, Qualcomm Working on 3nm, 4nm Nodes for XR/VR Headset

Leaked: Apple’s Plans for 2nm iPhone Processor, Qualcomm Working on 3nm, 4nm Nodes for XR/VR Headset

Leaked slides with a lot to hide hint that Apple has started work on designing its 2nm platform.

Written by Sheldon Pinto, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 29 February 2024 15:00 IST

Leaked: Apple’s Plans for 2nm iPhone Processor, Qualcomm Working on 3nm, 4nm Nodes for XR/VR Headset

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro SoC uses the 3nm fabrication process

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Highlights

Apple’s A17 Pro SoC has several advantages over its 4nm counterparts
iPhone 15 Pro models launched late last year
A 2nm processor should widen the gap between Apple and its competitors

Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are the only widely available smartphones which offer processors designed using the 3nm fabrication process. Going smaller brings several advantages and allows manufacturers to package more components, adding more features while also making these processors more power efficient. The iPhone 15 Pro models, launched late last year, are capable of running AAA gaming titles with high-end graphics, which is currently not possible with the same level of efficiency on an Android smartphone with a 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC inside. Turns out, Apple isn't resting on its laurels yet, as a new report indicates that it's already begun work on 2nm processor designs.

A report by gamma0burst shows a rather confidential document with tons of redacted information, revealing that Apple has begun work on designing its next 2nm SoCs. There's no information about when these will arrive in a device or even which devices these are being designed for, but given that the current-day iPhones have the most power efficient mobile chipsets available, there's a good chance these could show up in future iPhone models.

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As per the latest report, Apple will go with a 3nm processor (possibly called the A18 and A18 Pro) for the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max models, keeping in mind last year's release strategy. We have already seen leaked benchmarks revealing higher scores than the currently available model. The Apple iPhone 16 series and 16 Pro series aren't expected until Q3, this year. According to a previous report by Phone Arena, TSMC is expected to start 2nm chip production by 2025, so there is a good chance we could see these new processors arrive with the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Leaked slides on Apple and Qualcomm
Photo Credit: gamma0burst

The leaked documents also shed light on Qualcomm's current efforts. It reveals that Qualcomm is working on 3nm and 4nm platforms for its extended reality (XR) and virtual reality (VR) SoCs, which should give them an edge keeping in mind Apple's Vision Pro and its M2 chips (5nm).

However, this does not entirely mean that Qualcomm will fall another generation behind when Apple readies its 2nm silicon. An older report by Wccftech, did mention that Qualcomm is actively looking at samples from Samsung and TSMC to figure out a strategy for its Snapdragon Gen 5 platform. The currently available Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor found in devices like the OnePlus 12 uses a 4nm process, while Qualcomm is expected to push for a 3nm process with the next Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 generation.

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OnePlus 12

REVIEW
KEY SPECS
NEWS

Design
Display
Software
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Battery Life
Camera
Value for Money

Good
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Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

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OS Android 14

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Further reading: Apple, Qualcomm, 2nm chip, 2nm Chipsets, 2nm Processor, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max

Sheldon Pinto

Email Sheldon Pinto

Sheldon Pinto is based in Mumbai, and has several years of experience in reviewing smartphones and gadgets. As a Senior Reviewer at Gadgets 360, you will always find him deeply immersed in his reviews, switching from one phone to another. When the battery dies out, Sheldon is always browsing the web for a good sci-fi movie or reading up on cars and bikes. He also loves creating lists of interesting places to eat and travel. Sheldon is available on Twitter at @shellshocd, and you can mail him at ...More