Rumors suggest that the iPhone 14 will be weaker than the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and it looks like in 2022, only iPhones Pro will have Apple’s newest chipset. But a leaker thinks this is just the beginning of something new.
Ming-Chi Kuo is a big name in Apple leaks, and in a average post (opens in new tab), they said that “the latest processor chip will be exclusive to high-end iPhone models in the future”. So while we’ve heard that only the iPhone 14 Pro will get the A16 Bionic chip, it sounds like only the 15 Pro will get the A17 and so on, with non-Pro cellphones delayed a year.
That would mean big things for Apple’s standard iPhones – if they use older technology, perhaps their status as a flagship rival like the Samsung Galaxy S22 could be threatened.
According to an earlier rumor, Apple is shifting its chipset strategy to smartphones just so it can focus on making more components for its computers and laptops, with M2 Macs taking priority.
While Kuo is a big name, they’re not always right, so take that with a pinch of salt for now – we still don’t have confirmation that the iPhone 14 will use the A15 chip. But according to this report, Apple has a clear plan in mind.
Review: Focus on iPhones Pro
Since Apple started making the iPhone Pro models, they’ve clearly outperformed the standard devices – they typically have more rear cameras and better looking screens.
It looks like Apple is focusing even more on the Pro phones with the chip changes, and according to Kuo, this is an intentional change – Apple knows that more people will now opt for the devices. Kuo says Apple is “significantly increasing the proportion of shipments of new high-end iPhone models in 2H22 to 55-60% (vs. 40-50% in the past)”.
This will likely continue if Apple continues to provide Pro phones with the best chips, and as Kuo points out, it’s also great for brands like Sony and LG who make components for the Pro devices (both of those brands make camera parts).
Of course, on the other hand, this makes non-pro iPhones less attractive, so we expect to see a price reduction for these models if they continue to be worthwhile. Otherwise, our list of the best iPhones may see fewer new additions each year.
