The Chipset Evolution in All iPhone Models

The iPhone has redefined technology since its debut in 2007, and at the heart of every model lies its chipset—a marvel of engineering driving performance, efficiency, and innovation. For tech enthusiasts, understanding the evolution of iPhone chipsets reveals how Apple has consistently pushed boundaries. This blog post traces the journey of iPhone chipsets, from the original iPhone to the latest models, in an informative yet conversational tone.

The Beginning: APL0098 (2007)

The first iPhone, powered by the APL0098 (later dubbed the S5L8900), was a modest start. Built on a 90nm process with a single-core ARM11 CPU at 412 MHz, it prioritized simplicity. This Samsung-manufactured chip handled basic tasks like calls, emails, and the revolutionary multitouch interface. While unimpressive by today’s standards, it laid the foundation for Apple’s in-house silicon ambitions.

Early Steps: S-Gen Chips (2008–2010)

With the iPhone 3G and 3GS, Apple introduced the S-series chips:

• iPhone 3G (APL0298): Still Samsung-made, this chip kept the same architecture but tweaked power efficiency for 3G connectivity.
• iPhone 3GS (APL0298C05): The “S” for speed shone here, with a 600 MHz Cortex-A8 CPU and a 65nm process, doubling performance and introducing smoother graphics via the PowerVR SGX535 GPU.

The iPhone 4’s A4 chip (2010) was a leap. Apple’s first custom-designed SoC (System on a Chip), it featured a 45nm process, 800 MHz Cortex-A8 CPU, and PowerVR SGX535 GPU. Built by Samsung, the A4 powered the Retina display and multitasking, setting a precedent for Apple’s silicon control.

A-Series Dominance: A5 to A9 (2011–2015)

The A-series chips solidified Apple’s engineering prowess:

• A5 (iPhone 4S, 2011): A dual-core Cortex-A9 CPU at 800 MHz and PowerVR SGX543MP2 GPU on a 45nm process. It doubled performance, enabling Siri and 1080p video recording.
• A6 (iPhone 5, 2012): Apple’s first custom CPU (Swift architecture) on a 32nm process, with a 1.3 GHz dual-core CPU and triple-core PowerVR SGX543MP3 GPU. It was 2x faster than the A5.
• A7 (iPhone 5S, 2013): The industry’s first 64-bit mobile chip, built on a 28nm process with a 1.3 GHz dual-core Cyclone CPU and PowerVR G6430 GPU. Paired with the M7 motion coprocessor, it introduced Touch ID and efficient background tasks.
• A8 (iPhone 6/6 Plus, 2014): A 20nm process shrank the chip, boosting efficiency. The 1.4 GHz dual-core Typhoon CPU and PowerVR GX6450 GPU improved graphics by 50%.
• A9 (iPhone 6S/6S Plus, 2015): Fabricated by TSMC and Samsung on a 14nm/16nm process, the 1.85 GHz dual-core Twister CPU and six-core PowerVR GT7600 GPU offered 70% faster CPU performance and 90% better graphics. The M9 coprocessor enhanced “Hey Siri” functionality.

Performance Giants: A10 to A14 (2016–2020)

Apple’s chips became performance beasts:

• A10 Fusion (iPhone 7/7 Plus, 2016): A 16nm quad-core chip (two high-performance, two high-efficiency cores) at 2.34 GHz, with a six-core GPU. It introduced big.LITTLE architecture for power efficiency.
• A11 Bionic (iPhone 8/8 Plus/X, 2017): A 10nm process with six cores (two Monsoon, four Mistral) and Apple’s first custom GPU. The Neural Engine debuted, powering Face ID and Animoji.
• A12 Bionic (iPhone XS/XS Max/XR, 2018): Built on a 7nm process, it featured a six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and an 8-core Neural Engine, enabling advanced AR and machine learning.
• A13 Bionic (iPhone 11 series, 2019): Another 7nm chip (second-gen) with an 8-core Neural Engine, six-core CPU, and four-core GPU, optimized for Night Mode and Deep Fusion photography.
• A14 Bionic (iPhone 12 series, 2020): The first 5nm chip, with a six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, delivering console-level gaming and 5G support.

Modern Marvels: A15 to A18 (2021–2024)

Recent chips showcase Apple’s unmatched silicon expertise:

• A15 Bionic (iPhone 13/14 series, 2021–2022): A 5nm chip with a six-core CPU, up to five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. It powered Cinematic Mode and Photonic Engine.
• A16 Bionic (iPhone 14 Pro/15 series, 2022–2023): A 4nm chip with a six-core CPU, five-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, optimized for Dynamic Island and advanced computational photography.
• A17 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro series, 2023): A 3nm chip, the first “Pro” branded SoC, with a six-core CPU, six-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. It supported ray tracing for gaming and USB-C 3.0 speeds.
• A18/A18 Pro (iPhone 16 series, 2024): Both on a second-gen 3nm process, the A18 has a five-core CPU and five-core GPU, while the A18 Pro boosts GPU cores to six. Enhanced Neural Engines support Apple Intelligence, with up to 35% better efficiency.

The Future: What’s Next?

As of 2025, rumors suggest the A19 series for the iPhone 17, potentially on a 2nm process, promising even greater efficiency and AI capabilities. Apple’s shift to in-house modems and continued Neural Engine advancements will likely redefine mobile computing.

Why It Matters

Apple’s chipset evolution isn’t just about numbers—it’s about user experience. From enabling fluid multitasking to powering AI-driven features like Apple Intelligence, these chips have made iPhones faster, smarter, and more efficient. For tech enthusiasts, this journey underscores Apple’s relentless innovation.

FAQs

Q: What was the first iPhone chipset?

A: The first iPhone (2007) used the APL0098 (S5L8900), a single-core chip at 412 MHz, manufactured by Samsung.

Q: When did Apple start designing its own chips?

A: Apple began with the A4 chip in the iPhone 4 (2010), marking its shift to custom silicon.

Q: What’s the difference between A18 and A18 Pro?

A: The A18 Pro (iPhone 16 Pro models) has a six-core GPU versus the A18’s five-core GPU, with additional performance tweaks for pro-level tasks.

Q: Why are Apple’s chips so efficient?

A: Apple’s custom architecture, tight hardware-software integration, and advanced manufacturing (e.g., 3nm process) optimize power and performance.

Q: Will Apple ever use third-party chips again?

A: Unlikely. Apple’s in-house chips offer unmatched control and performance, though they still use TSMC for manufacturing.