Latest iPhone Chips to Remain Exclusive to Pro Models for iPhone 15 and Beyond

[ian87w]

Not a big deal, IMO, as Apple (and the devs) will still need to cater to all the iPhones currently sold by Apple, starting from SE2022, iPhone 11, etc.

Which is actually worse for the platform. The biggest seller has been the regular iPhone model, not the Pro models. If the regular iPhone is now 1 generation older, expect devs to not readily adopt new features/APIs that will only work on the Pro iPhones.

 

[fuchsdh]

Apple needs to start thinking of ways to sell top tier models outside of new chips and cameras every year then. With trade-in values decreasing, MSRP increasing and now this…consumers might start realizing every phone in Apple’s lineup will easily last yrs.

If they hadn't realized that before, they were just people who liked burning money on the shiny new gadget.

People haven't "needed" to upgrade their phone every year or every other year in a decade at least, and the people freaking out about the iPhone 14 "not being a good deal" for them are missing the fact that tons of people will be buying coming from an 11 or earlier; I'm upgrading from an XS (I'll probably get a 13 mini for the form factor, which if the chip isn't changing in the 14 feels like an even better decision.) I know people out there still rocking iPhone 6, 6s and 7's, because even with a lack of updates they're still solid phones that do basic stuff fine.

In other words: people should step outside themselves for a second and realize they are not the only consumers out there every so often.

 

[ian87w]

The A15 is currently years ahead of any other phone chip in the market, and in a few months when the iPhone 14 is released with the A15 in it, it still will be.

Then what's the point of the iPhone 14?
It would make more sense if Apple literally would just release iPhone 14 Pro with A16, and then an iPhone 13 Max with A15, so the lineup will be 13 mini, 13, 13 Max, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max. That would make more sense.

 

[AppleTO]

SAME. With the current climate it just makes not much sense to spend another 1,3k on a Phone only go back to using the same apps, on the same OS, the exact same way. It’s not like the 12 PM is slow or anything.

Also waiting for usb-c to hopefully come to the iPhone by next year

I mean… I’m using a Xs and I still don’t see a point of upgrading. I’d just be running the exact same apps the exact same way.

 

[darngooddesign]

I can understand different bins of the same chip, eg 1 less GPU core for the non Pro models. But having 1 generation old chip seems like a cheap move since Apple is only going to increase price.

I predict that the 14 will keep the same price while the 14 Pro will have a price increase. The 64GB X, XS, 11 Pro and 12 Pro have all been $999 so we were due for a price increase with the 14 Pro.

 

[Menel]

Makes sense. Who is even using the full power of any phone nowadays?

I have absolutely zero reason to upgrade my iPhone X other than wanting but not needing better battery life.

Still on my X as well. Did battery replacement last year.
I am starting to notice camera quality on newer iphone's, especially indoors, are making me jealous. I'll basically only be upgrading for the camera next.
My iPad is from 2017 as well as the X. Both are needing a refresh. As long as Apple can sell me on an upgraded camera, and get their charging re-sync'd with ipad and iphone I'll be down.

 

[prospervic]

So - if the iPhone 14 (non-pro) does not get the new chip, the new 48MP cameras, and the new pill-dot notch replacement, all of which goes into the iPhone 14 Pro – what is the selling point of the iPhone 14 (non-pro)????? Surely just more RAM is not enough to get people to upgrade? What am I missing?

Remember, the majority of iPhone buyers do not upgrade year-over-year. Someone coming from a 10s or 11 will get significant improvements. Even those upgrading from the 12 will gain much better cameras.

 

[darngooddesign]

There is no justification for Apple to even manufacture an iPhone 14 then.

I’ve never bought a Plus or Max model, it seems like I will never again but an iPhone the year it’s released. There is simply no reason to. Why would anyone buy an iPhone 14 this year? Why would anyone buy an iPhone 15 next year?

I have an XR so either the 14 this year or 15 next year would be significant upgrades for me.

 

[Sapimati]

I think this is fine for this year, with economic slow down coming, they should keep the prices lower for the non-pro version.

 

[smaffei]

I suspect the pricing will be similar today, with a small bump due to inflation.

I suspect a larger bump considering newer chip supply constraints. I am expecting the Pro models will all be $100 higher this year.

 

[boak]

I think Apple will have considered these things if they go ahead with this strategy:

• Chip manufacturing capacity - The A and M chips will use various generations of TSMC tech and Apple is shuffling the capacity for each generation around for different products
• Product differentiation
• Cost-saving

 

[kerr]

Remember, the majority of iPhone buyers do not upgrade year-over-year. Someone coming from a 10s or 11 will get significant improvements. Even those upgrading from the 12 will gain much better cameras.

My first iPhone was the 3GS and I used to upgrade every 1-2 years. My current iPhone is the XS and I’m struggling to justify upgrading this year. A smaller notch, 0.3” larger screen, MagSafe and more battery life would be appreciated but not must haves. I don’t care about number of cameras or their quality. USB-C and no notch/pill would sway me.

 

[oldmacs]

I can understand different bins of the same chip, eg 1 less GPU core for the non Pro models. But having 1 generation old chip seems like a cheap move since Apple is only going to increase price.

My thoughts exactly. And an excuse for them to cut support earlier.

 

[wonderings]

I have an XR so either the 14 this year or 15 next year would be significant upgrades for me.

I think the only significant upgrade is the camera. I had an XR and an 11 and now a 13. I don't notice any big speed improvements, web pages don't load any faster on wifi or LTE compared to 5G. Camera is better, everything else is not noticeably faster. Even Face ID just works quick and easy on the XR just as it does on my 13.

 

[ian87w]

My thoughts exactly. And an excuse for them to cut support earlier.

Maybe it's time for all users and tech bloggers to demand Apple to disclose their software support timeline roadmap. This will allow customers to have better buying decision (like not buying the Apple Watch S3, which Apple still sells without shame).

 

[JCCL]

Then what's the point of the iPhone 14?
It would make more sense if Apple literally would just release iPhone 14 Pro with A16, and then an iPhone 13 Max with A15, so the lineup will be 13 mini, 13, 13 Max, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max. That would make more sense.

Yeah makes the standard model pointless. Just continue selling the last year's pro model at a lower price and be done with it.

 

[izzy0242mr]

Besides, iPhones are too expensive to upgrade every year so I’m holding on to my 13 Pro Max for another year

Only another year? Your phone can last a good 3-5 years easily. All high end phones are seriously overpriced and honestly no one should be buying them new in this economy and in this era of really slow tech updates/minimal innovation. Like, the best innovation we're seeing is bendy boi screens. That's about it.

 

[boak]

My guess on chip capacity distribution after the fall releases:

N5 (A14/M1): iPhone 12, iPad 10, iPad Air, M1 Pro/Max MBP, M1 MBA, Mac Studio, Apple TV
N5P (A15/M2): iPad mini 6, iPhone SE3, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPad Pro, iMac, Mac mini, M2 MBA, M2 MBP
N3 (A16): iPhone 14 Pro

 

[jonblatho]

Second, the last time Apple re-used a previous-generation processor in a new iPhone was the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G, both of which used identical 412MHz ARM 11 chips.

I know many of us would prefer to forget the iPhone 5c, but it says hello.

 

[darngooddesign]

I think the only significant upgrade is the camera. I had an XR and an 11 and now a 13. I don't notice any big speed improvements, web pages don't load any faster on wifi or LTE compared to 5G. Camera is better, everything else is not noticeably faster. Even Face ID just works quick and easy on the XR just as it does on my 13.

I don't need ultimate performance, but I'm getting a lot of webpage and app reloads due to a paltry 3GB RAM so that's a speed update. The screen will be a lot nicer. Camera upgrade will be significant. Face ID with mask will be nicer. Seems like the 14 or 14 Pro will be a solid updates. It's also time to upgrade from 256GB to 512GB.

So while your XR to 11, and then 11 to 13 separate upgrades might not be very noticeable; I expect my single XR to 14 or 14 Pro upgrade will be.

One last big improvement for me over my XR is that FaceID with mask is supposed to also work with motorcycle helmets. The 12 and 13 also have that but I'm not buying a 12 or 13.

 

[oldmacs]

Maybe it's time for all users and tech bloggers to demand Apple to disclose their software support timeline roadmap. This will allow customers to have better buying decision (like not buying the Apple Watch S3, which Apple still sells without shame).

Yes + a support timeline for iOS security updates. The updates to iOS 12 were so erratic and Apple never announced when they were going to end.

I'd like to see also an official policy on Mac software support - Apple has had an unofficial policy for security updates for the last three released versions of Mac OS but last year (for example) they randomly cut Mojave support early.

 

[wanha]

This was to keep people from buying an iPhone that couldn’t support iOS updates for more than 3 or so years. Giving it the latest chip gives it the same longevity, albeit without many flagship features. Selling one with 2-4 year old silicon would upset consumers in 2-3 more years when they couldn’t get software updates anymore. So apples strategy was to withhold features to reduce cost, not use older silicon.

Trickle down features has worked very well for a broad product range. Looks like silicon is about to start working that way. Although, it wouldn’t be wise to use more than 1 year old chips in new phones, IMO.

I agree with you that when a new SE is launched, the processor should not be more than a year old.

As for the OS updates, Apple has sold old iPhones every single year (since the iPhone 6?).

Currently they sell iPhone 12, 11, and SE in addition to the 13 series.

The OS update-ability is nice but clearly not the end all be all to Apple's plans.

 

[wanha]

I agree and where I think Apple should start is weight reduction. Aluminum is actually more expensive than steel so why are the most expensive iPhones steel? You could argue durability but then I would suggest using titanium which they already use in Apple Watches. Maybe not full titanium due to cost but some. All Mac computers and iPads use aluminum exclusively yet the device people use the most (phones) are heavy steel? If Apple insists on putting bigger cameras in year after year then weight will be a huge issue and now with the new non-pro Max being aluminum I bet there will be a ton of people that switch from the PM to the non-PM simply due to the weight. I’m definitely thinking about it.

I like your thinking on this - it might have something to it.

 

[wonderings]

I don't need ultimate performance, but I'm getting a lot of webpage and app reloads due to a paltry 3GB RAM so that's a speed update. The screen will be a lot nicer. Camera upgrade will be significant. Face ID with mask will be nicer. Seems like the 14 or 14 Pro will be a solid updates. It's also time to upgrade from 256GB to 512GB.

So while your XR to 11, and then 11 to 13 separate upgrades might not be very noticeable; I expect my single XR to 14 or 14 Pro upgrade will be.

Forgot about the screen, yes the newer screen is better, but the old is no slouch. I don't spend a lot or any time looking at images that need the best possible viewing screen possible. I have work machines for that. The XR screen is great, the 13 is better but again not something I would say is worth an upgrade. I would not have a 13 if I did not get it from work.

I did not have any webpage reloads that I can remember, and I generally have a bunch of tabs always open. Face ID with a mask is not supported on the XR? If not then that is simply an Apple limitation and Apple doing what it does being anti consumer.

Yes the new phone will be "better", I just think most of it is not noticeable.

 

[now i see it]

If a person isn’t buying a new iPhone every year (and nobody really should be doing that anymore) it won’t make any difference that the pro iPhone gets the next version SOC.
Whatever you upgrade to will be a significant improvement over what you’ve got if it’s a few years old.