What chip powers the latest iPhone, and how does it improve performance?

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“With the iPhone 15 Pro series now in the spotlight, I’m curious about the core technology driving its capabilities. What specific custom-designed chip powers this latest generation, and how exactly does this new architecture boost performance beyond previous models? I’m especially interested in understanding the advancements in CPU/GPU efficiency, neural processing for AI tasks, computational photography, and overall power management that contribute to faster processing, smoother multitasking, and extended battery life.”

The latest iPhone models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, are powered by the A16 Bionic chip. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are powered by the A17 Pro chip. Below are the key improvements and features of both chips:

A16 Bionic (iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus)

  1. 6-Core CPU:

    • 2 high-performance cores (up to 10% faster than the A15) and 4 high-efficiency cores (up to 20% faster).
    • Optimized for multitasking, machine learning, and energy efficiency.

  2. 5-Core GPU:

    • 20% faster graphics performance than the A15 GPU.
    • Supports advanced computational photography and gaming.

  3. Neural Engine:

    • 16-core design with 17 trillion operations per second (TOPS).
    • Powers features like Live Text, Portrait mode effects, and on-device machine learning.

  4. Photonic Engine:

    • Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 5 work earlier in the imaging pipeline for 2x better low-light performance in photos and 4K video.

  5. Display Engine:

    • Enables ProMotion adaptive refresh rates (up to 120Hz) on the iPhone 15/15 Plus screens.
  6. Manufacturing Process:
    • Built on a 4nm process, improving power efficiency and reducing heat generation.

A17 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max)

  1. 3nm Manufacturing:

    • Industry’s first 3nm process (TSMC), packing 19 billion transistors.
    • Up to 30% higher power efficiency and reduced power consumption.

  2. 6-Core CPU:

    • 20% faster performance than the A16 Pro.
    • 30% improved power efficiency for sustained tasks.

  3. 6-Core GPU:

    • Hardware-accelerated ray tracing: First in a smartphone for realistic lighting in games/movies.
    • 2x faster than the A16 Pro GPU. Supports 4K HDR rendering with fuller detail.
    • Hardware-based mesh shading for smoother geometry in complex scenes.

  4. Neural Engine:

    • 16-core design with 35 TOPS (2x faster than A16).
    • Accelerates AI tasks like real-time voice isolation, advanced voice commands, and computational photography.

  5. ProRes Video Engine:

    • Dedicated hardware for recording/encoding ProRes video at up to 4K@60fps.
    • Optimized for editing and color grading.

  6. USB 3.2 Interface:

    • Transfers data up to 10 Gbps (20x faster than iPhone 14 Pro’s USB 2.0).
    • Enables faster photo/video editing workflows.

  7. Always-On Display Optimization:

    • Efficient power management for low-power display features without battery drain.
  8. Enhanced ISP:
    • Photonic Engine improvements for better low-light detail and color accuracy in photos/video.
    • Supports 48MP main sensor processing and computational photography.
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Key Performance Improvements:

  • Gaming: Ray tracing delivers console-like visuals; GPU handles demanding titles like Resident Evil Village at 60fps.
  • Photography/Video: Superior night mode, 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, and ProRes workflows.
  • Efficiency: 3nm process enables all-day battery life while boosting speeds.
  • AI/Machine Learning: Faster on-device processing for privacy-focused features like real-time translation and image masking.
  • Thermals: Efficient heat dissipation prevents throttling during intensive tasks.

Both chips represent significant leaps in CPU, GPU, and AI performance, with the A17 Pro leading in graphics and power efficiency for flagship users.

Published: October 11, 2025