Code present in an unreleased inside construct of iOS 18 has supplied some new insights into Apple’s plans for this yr’s silicon lineup. Whereas there aren’t too many surprises right here, it does function affirmation that Apple can be bringing totally new chips to this yr’s iPhone and Apple Watch fashions, whereas additionally pointing to new wi-fi communications chips.
A tipster shared the main points with MacRumors primarily based on a subtitled YouTube video from final month that confirmed a purported iPhone 16 prototype. It seems that this machine was working an inside construct of iOS 18 from March 2024, which contained codenames for Apple’s 2025 chip plans.
The record contains the anticipated assortment of A-series and M-series chips that may go into the iPhone 17 lineup and next-generation MacBooks, nevertheless it additionally reveals that Apple’s rumored “C2 modem” is already within the works, together with the extra mysterious Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that Apple has reportedly been engaged on for the previous few years.
The A19 and A19 Professional chips are the next-gen variations for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, and iPhone 17 Professional fashions, and can possible discover their approach into the iPhone 17e if Apple releases one subsequent yr. As standard, the A19 Professional can be reserved for the iPhone 17 Professional and iPhone 17 Professional Max, whereas the opposite gadgets will get the usual A19. This isn’t totally shocking, nevertheless it does dispel any doubts that Apple might revert to its earlier technique of reusing final yr’s chips in its lower-end fashions.
Equally, the M5 and M5 Professional will energy new Macs which might be more likely to arrive in October. Apple appears to be settling into an annual fall schedule for brand new MacBook Professional, iMac, and Mac mini releases, though the M5 MacBook Air isn’t anticipated till early 2026. An M5 iPad Professional might also be on the horizon. The MacRumors tipster additionally confirmed different studies we’ve heard that Apple has examined a Mac Professional with an M3 Extremely chip, however there’s no M4 Extremely within the works.
There’s additionally an S11 chip listed that may undoubtedly discover its approach into the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Apple Watch Extremely 3. Whereas a brand new Apple Watch SE 3 can be anticipated this fall, the jury is out on whether or not that may get the newest S11 chip. The 2020 Apple Watch SE utilized the S5 chip from the 2019 Sequence 5, whereas the present Apple Watch SE options the identical S8 chip as its extra premium 2022 siblings.
The C2 modem is the next-generation of Apple’s in-house 5G modem chip that debuted on this yr’s iPhone 16e. It might find yourself getting used within the iPhone 17e subsequent yr, and presumably all the iPhone 18 lineup. Though some studies counsel that the iPhone 17 Air will even function Apple’s personal 5G modem chip, that is anticipated to be the identical C1 chip used within the iPhone 16e.
Then there’s Proxima, which is arguably essentially the most fascinating of the bunch. That’s Apple’s try to interrupt freed from its reliance on Broadcom by producing its personal Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip. This could full the method begun with the C1 modem chip, resulting in Apple gadgets the place the entire most important silicon elements are developed by Apple’s personal engineers.
Proxima is arguably an much more vital venture than the C1/C2 chips. In any case, solely the iPhone and a few iPads require 5G connectivity, whereas Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are customary options in each Apple product.
Whereas we’re positive Apple finally plans to make use of these chips in all its merchandise, it reportedly plans a extra modest begin to assist field-test them in the true world earlier than going all-in. Rumors counsel that this yr’s HomePod mini can be among the many first to function the Proxima chip. This has additionally led to hypothesis that Apple may leverage this expertise to show HomePods into routers or wi-fi extenders, because the chip is reportedly highly effective sufficient to deal with these duties. That’s unlikely to occur within the quick time period, and it definitely received’t be a promoting level of Apple’s house gadgets.
Nonetheless, the first-generation Proxima chip is anticipated to assist a minimum of Wi-Fi 6E and should even transition on to Wi-Fi 7. That alone can be a wholesome improve for the HomePod mini, which is at the moment restricted to Wi-Fi 4. Apple can be possible to make use of this chip in its subsequent Apple TV and rumored house hub.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]