According to recently uncovered code from Apple’s backend, Apple is gearing up to release four new iPhone 16 models this year. All will feature the same A-series chip.
Code reveals iPhone identifiers
The code reveals the following iPhone identifiers: iPhone 17,1, iPhone 17,2, iPhone 17,3, iPhone 17,4, and iPhone 17,5. Historically, Apple has tied these identifier numbers to the chips used in the devices. For instance, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max had identifiers iPhone 16,1 and iPhone 16,2, powered by the A17 Pro chip. In contrast, the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, with the identifiers iPhone 15, 4, and iPhone 15, 5, were powered by the A16 Bionic chip.
All iPhone 16 models feature the A18 chip
If Apple continues this trend, it suggests that the new A18 chip will power all iPhone 16 models. This aligns with the increased computing power required by Apple Intelligence. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max meet these computing requirements, so expanding the list of compatible devices will be a priority for Apple.
Even with the uniformity in chip type, Apple might still distinguish the Pro models by equipping them with an A18 Pro chip. The identifier relates to the kind of chip, not the specific version.
A possible iPhone SE is in the works
Five model numbers are listed, yet rumors suggest the iPhone 16 series will only include four phones. This extra model could hint at a fourth-generation iPhone SE, though there have been no recent rumors to confirm this.