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List of Apple Chipsets Used in iPhones

Apple stands out for its exclusivity. The company not only develops but also produces and markets its products independently. This approach includes everything from the concept to the chipset in devices like iPods, iPads, and iPhones.

Unlike many Android phone manufacturers who rely on chipset designs from companies like MediaTek and Qualcomm, Apple designs its own chipsets. This dual role is similar to what companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek do, but Apple also develops its own operating system, iOS.

While Apple designs its own chipsets, it still licenses the basic designs from ARM. However, Apple is allowed to customize these designs to meet its specific needs.

Interestingly, Apple doesn’t have its own factories for chipset production. It outsources the manufacturing of its designs to semiconductor companies such as TSMC or Samsung.

Besides chipsets, or system-on-chips, Apple also develops what's known as system-in-package technology. For now, let’s focus on Apple's chipsets. Here's a closer look at how Apple designs its unique chipsets.

Apple A Series Chipset

The A series chipsets, or System-on-Chips (SoCs), integrate various components into one package. These include an ARM-based CPU, GPU, AI processor, image signal processor (ISP), modem, and other components. Let's explore the types of Apple A Series chipsets used in iPhones.

1. Apple A17 Pro

iphone 15 pro max

Introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Apple A17 Pro marks a departure from the traditional "Bionic" naming, adopting "Pro" instead. This chipset is the first in the world to utilize a 3 nm fabrication process, developed by TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).

The A17 Pro enhances gaming performance, boasting 20 times the graphics capabilities of its predecessor, the A16 Bionic, and quadruple the ray tracing capabilities thanks to specialized hardware.

The chipset comprises six CPU cores—two high-performance cores at 3.78 GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.11 GHz—and six GPU cores.

In tests, the A17 Pro scored 2926 on Geekbench 6 for single-core and 7237 for multi-core, with an AnTuTu 10 score of 1,566,329.

2. Apple A16 Bionic

apple a16 bionic_

The Apple A16 Bionic, unlike its predecessors, is exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max models. The regular iPhone 14 and Plus variants continue to use the Apple A15 Bionic, shared with the iPhone 13 series.

Manufactured using TSMC’s third-generation 5 nm process, the A16 Bionic delivers enhanced performance, density, and power efficiency.

This chipset features a hexa-core processor arrangement, including two high-performance "Everest" cores at 3.46 GHz and four energy-efficient "Sawtooth" cores at 2.02 GHz. Additionally, the A16 Bionic is equipped with a 5-core GPU that boasts 50% greater memory bandwidth compared to the GPU in the A15 Bionic.

It supports LPDDR5 RAM and a 16-core neural engine that is 7% faster than its predecessor, capable of processing up to 17 trillion operations per second (TOPs), surpassing the 15.8 TOPs of the A15 Bionic.

For the first time in the A series, the A16 Bionic integrates a display engine, which improves the Always On Display (AOD) features in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max and allows for variable refresh rates as low as 1 Hz.

The chipset's Image Signal Processor (ISP) also receives significant upgrades, enhancing computational photography capabilities to manage higher resolution sensors and handle up to 4 trillion operations per photo.

According to NanoReview, the Apple A16 Bionic scored 963,149 in AnTuTu v9 tests and achieved 1897 in single-core and 5407 in multi-core scenarios on Geekbench 5. While it surpasses both Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it falls behind the Dimensity 9200 in some capabilities.

3. Apple A15 Bionic

A15 Bionic

The Apple A15 Bionic features 15 billion transistors, surpassing the A14 Bionic's 11 billion. This increase in transistor count boosts both its processing speed and graphics capabilities.

Structurally, the A15 maintains the same configuration as its predecessor with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores. Performance tests show impressive results: a Geekbench score of 1,746 for single-core and 4,772 for multi-core, with Antutu scores in the 800,000s. The A15 Bionic powers the iPhone 13 series.

4. Apple A14 Bionic

Gizchina

The Apple A14 Bionic, continuing with the "Bionic" moniker, introduces significant advancements with its 5 nm process technology, a shrink from the previous 7 nm.

Produced at TSMC, this chipset excels in the Neural Engine sector, supporting 16 cores and boosting machine learning (ML) performance by 80% over the A13 Bionic. It delivers 40% faster CPU and up to 30% faster GPU performance compared to the A12.

The chipset’s 16-core neural engine and matrix accelerators enhance its machine learning capabilities, speeding up operations by up to tenfold.

The A14 Bionic is featured in the iPad Air 2020 and the entire iPhone 12 series, including the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.

5. Apple A13 Bionic

apple a13

Apple A13 Bionic employs advanced 7 nm N7P technology, a second-generation enhancement that packs over 8.5 billion transistors to ensure both high performance and energy efficiency.

The A13 Bionic features a six-core processor setup based on ARMv8.4-A architecture, with two high-performance "Lightning" cores running at 2.65 GHz and four power-saving "Thunder" cores.

When compared to its predecessor, the A12 Bionic, the performance cores in the A13 are 20% faster and consume 30% less power. The efficiency cores show even more improvement, being 20% faster and 40% more power-efficient. The A13's graphics capabilities are also enhanced, operating 20% faster and using 40% less power than those of the A12.

This combination of speed and efficiency makes the iPhone models powered by the A13 Bionic — iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and the second-generation iPhone SE (2020) — exceptionally capable while maintaining energy efficiency.

6. Apple A12 Bionic, Apple A12X Bionic, Apple A12Z

The Apple A12 Bionic, continuing with the "Bionic" name, was designed by Apple and produced by TSMC using the 7 nm FinFET process. This chipset powers the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR and was unveiled alongside these devices on September 12, 2018.

Apple claims that the A12's high-performance processors are 15% faster than those in the A11 Bionic. Its power-saving processors are also noted for being 50% more energy-efficient compared to their counterparts in the A11.

7. Apple A11 Bionic

The Apple A11 Bionic, another chipset in the Bionic series, utilizes a 64-bit ARM-based system designed by Apple and manufactured by TSMC using 10 nm FinFET technology.

It features in the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, all introduced on September 12, 2017. The A11 includes a dual-core "Monsoon" design for high-performance at 2.39 GHz and four "Mistral" cores for efficiency. Apple touts that the A11 Bionic provides a 40% more powerful CPU and 50% improved graphics capabilities over the A9.

8. Apple A10 Fusion and Apple A10X Fusion

Apple has evolved its chipset naming strategy beyond just a combination of the letter 'A' and numbers, opting for more engaging names like "Fusion."

This change was motivated by the realization that previous naming conventions were less appealing, and consumers preferred more distinctive names. Hence, the introduction of the "A10 Fusion."

The A10 Fusion is a 64-bit ARM-based system on a chip, designed by Apple and manufactured by TSMC using a 16 nm FinFET process.

It features a two-cluster design, with one dual-core cluster for high performance and another for enhanced efficiency. Apple claims that the A10 Fusion's processor is 40% faster and its GPU 50% faster than those of the Apple A9.

The A10 Fusion powers the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, both of which debuted alongside the chipset on September 7, 2016. It is also used in the 2018 iPad models.

The A10 Fusion has an enhanced variant known as the A10X Fusion, which is typically more powerful and designated for use in iPads. The 10.5-inch iPad and the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro both employ the A10X Fusion.

This variant is built using a 10 nm FinFET process by TSMC and offers 30% faster CPU and 40% quicker GPU performance compared to the A9X.

9. Apple A9 and Apple A9X

The Apple A9, embodying the System-on-Chip (SoC) concept, is a 64-bit ARM-based system manufactured by TSMC using 16 nm FinFET technology.

It powers the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, the first-generation iPhone SE, and the iPad (2017). Apple touts that the A9 offers a 70% improvement in CPU performance and a 90% enhancement in graphics capabilities compared to the Apple A8.

Interestingly, the Apple A9 was also produced by Samsung using 14 nm LPE technology. This dual sourcing resulted in two versions of the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, one from TSMC and one from Samsung, each with slightly different performance characteristics due to the distinct manufacturing processes.

The Apple A9X, exclusively produced by TSMC, is an enhanced version used in the iPad Pro. Apple claims that the A9X provides an 80% improvement in CPU performance and doubles the GPU performance compared to the Apple A8X, delivering substantial enhancements in both processing power and graphics.

10. Apple A8 and Apple A8X

The Apple A8 continues to utilize the Package on Package (PoP) design, engineered by Apple and manufactured by TSMC. Introduced on September 9, 2014, alongside the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, the A8 features a dual-core 1.4 GHz 64-bit processor and a PowerVR GX6450 GPU in a four-cluster configuration.

The 20 nm fabrication process packs 2 billion transistors into a package that is 13% smaller than its predecessor, the Apple A7.

The A8 is not only found in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus but also powers the iPad Mini 4 and HomePod. Meanwhile, the iPad Air 2 uses the enhanced Apple A8X, which adopts a SoC design with a triple-core processor and an eight-core GPU, showcasing a significant boost in processing and graphical power.

11. Apple A7

Launched on September 10, 2013, the Apple A7 was the first to feature the PoP design and marked a significant technological leap, serving as the core of the iPad Air, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, and the iPhone 5S. Apple boasts that the A7 delivers twice the CPU and GPU performance of the Apple A6.

Constructed with a 28 nm process, the A7 includes an ARMv8-A dual-core CPU paired with a PowerVR G6430 GPU, enhancing both efficiency and power across Apple’s device lineup.

12. Apple A6 and Apple A6X

The Apple A6 revisits the Package on Package (PoP) system, initially used in the A4, and features a dual-core 1.3 GHz processor known as Swift. It also includes a PowerVR SGX 543MP3 GPU. The A6 introduces a new instruction set based on ARMv7s, enhancing its performance capabilities.

Manufactured by Samsung using a 32 nm fabrication process, the A6 offers double the CPU and GPU performance compared to the Apple A5, demonstrating significant improvements in both speed and efficiency.

A more powerful iteration, the Apple A6X, was launched on October 23, 2012, coinciding with the debut of the fourth-generation iPad, which it powers.

The A6X maintains the dual-core Swift CPU but steps up the graphics performance with a quad-core PowerVR SGX 554MP4 GPU, resulting in a GPU that is twice as powerful as that of the Apple A5X, according to Apple’s claims.

13. Apple A5 and Apple A5X

The Apple A5 chipset, manufactured by Samsung, utilizes an ARM Cortex-A9 based dual-core processor and a PowerVR SGX543MP2 dual-core GPU. It significantly outperforms the Apple A4, with the CPU being twice as effective and the GPU five times better.

Built on a 45nm fabrication process, the A5 operates at a clock speed of 1 GHz in the iPad 2, while the version in the iPhone 4S is slightly reduced to 800 MHz.

Additionally, a 32 nm version of the A5 was developed for use in the third generation Apple TV, iPod touch (5th generation), the first iPad Mini, and a revised version of the iPad 2 (iPad2.4). A simplified, single-core variant of this chipset is also employed in the third generation Apple TV.

Expanding on the A5, Apple introduced the A5X specifically for the third-generation iPad. The primary enhancement in the A5X is its graphics unit, featuring a PowerVR SGX543MP4 GPU that offers double the graphics capability of the A5, providing substantial improvements in visual performance.

14. Apple A4

The Apple A4 chipset continues to utilize the Package on Package (PoP) system, designed by Apple Inc. and manufactured by Samsung. It incorporates an ARM Cortex-A8 CPU running at 1 GHz, paired with a PowerVR SGX 535 GPU, all built using a 45 nm fabrication process.

The Cortex-A8 core, known by the nickname “Hummingbird,” was significantly enhanced by chip designer Intrinsity before its acquisition by Apple. These improvements led to notable performance gains in the A4 chipset.

The A4 itself does not include integrated RAM. Instead, it allows for RAM additions via the PoP system, featuring two low-power 128 MB DDR SDRAM chips stacked on top of the chipset, totaling 256 MB.

The A4 powers a range of Apple devices, including the first-generation iPad, iPhone 4, fourth-generation iPod touch, and second-generation Apple TV. Notably, the core clock in the iPhone 4 and fourth-generation iPod touch is reduced to 800 MHz to optimize performance and power efficiency.

Older Apple Chipsets

Apple started making its own chipsets with the first iPhone. Before the well-known A Series, there were four other models, all developed with Samsung's help. Back then, the term "System-on-Chip" (SoC) wasn't well-known yet.

Apple referred to its early chip designs as "PoP" (Package on Package), which basically means putting several components together into one system. Here's a look at some of the older chipsets Apple created:

1. APL0098

Launched on June 29, 2007, the APL0098 chipset powered the very first iPhone. It featured a 412 MHz single-core ARM11 CPU and a PowerVR MBX Lite GPU. Samsung manufactured this chipset using a 90nm process. It was also used in the first-generation iPod touch.

2. APL0278

Introduced on September 9, 2008, the APL0278 chipset was built using a 65nm process, again by Samsung. This model was exclusively used in the second-generation iPod touch, not in any iPhone models.

3. APL0298

Continuing with the 65nm process, Apple launched the APL0298 on June 8, 2009. This chipset, also produced by Samsung, was featured in the iPhone 3GS. It includes a 600 MHz single-core Cortex-A8 CPU and a PowerVR SGX535 GPU.

4. APL2298

The APL2298 marked a change from the earlier models—it was designed with a smaller 45nm process and wasn't a PoP. This chipset, launched on September 9, 2009, was used in the SoC version of the iPhone 3GS and in the third-generation iPod touch.

This overview covers some of Apple's early chipsets and how they evolved over the years. It’s a quick look at the tech behind some of Apple’s iconic devices, which might interest those curious about Apple’s hardware innovations.

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