Rumors are already circulating about the iPhone 18, even before the iPhone 17’s release. Early indications suggest the iPhone 18 might be worth waiting for, particularly because of advancements in its processor.
Apple is reportedly working on the A20 chip, according to GF Securities’ Apple analyst Jeff Pu. This chip is rumored to be built on a groundbreaking 2nm process known as N2. Earlier reports from the firm suggested the A20 would utilize the slightly larger N3P process, but Pu later clarified this information directly to Macrumors.
Enhanced Performance with the A20 Chip
The 2nm architecture of the A20 chip could allow Apple to incorporate a substantial 12GB of RAM. This increase from the current 8GB in the iPhone 16 models could transform the iPhone 18 into a mobile gaming powerhouse and an ideal platform for demanding AI tasks. The current 8GB RAM meets the minimum requirements for Apple Intelligence. However, as the competition in AI intensifies and Apple invests further in this area, increasing the RAM in future iPhones makes strategic sense to unlock the full potential of its AI capabilities.
Advantages of Waiting for the iPhone 18
While the iPhone 17’s A19 chip will likely offer improvements over the iPhone 16’s A18, it won’t match the anticipated leap forward of the A20 in the iPhone 18. The shift to the 2nm manufacturing process represents a significant advancement for the A20. This not only translates to faster processing speeds but also increased power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
The iPhone 17 is expected in September 2025. If you can wait another year until September 2026, you might be rewarded with a more future-proof iPhone, powered by the A20 chip and its 12GB of RAM, providing a device that could last longer and offer significantly enhanced performance. The combination of increased processing power, improved AI capabilities, and extended battery life makes a compelling case for considering the iPhone 18.
