Numerous references to new Apple chips have surfaced in an internal version of iOS 18. These include successors to current models in the A, M, S, and C series. The information comes from a leaked non-UI version of the system, which Apple typically uses for hardware testing. The leaked data provides a detailed look at Apple's future chip strategy.
Apple is known for keeping new hardware secret for as long as possible. Nevertheless, internal test versions of operating systems often provide clues to upcoming products. As soon as new hardware IDs and code names appear in a system like iOS 18, conclusions about future developments can be drawn. That's exactly what happened now. Those familiar with Apple's release cycles can already assign some of these chips to specific devices.
New chips in detail
In total, at least seven new chips have been identified . The internal designations partly follow geographical names, which Apple often uses for early development stages. The technical details largely derive from the structure of the chip IDs and Apple's previous nomenclature.
A-Series: Tilos and Thera
The codename Tilos most likely refers to the A19 chip that will be used in the iPhone 17 series. Tilos is a Greek island; the name serves only as an internal project name at Apple. A chip designated T8150 was also discovered. The codename Thera suggests that it is the A19 Pro, a more powerful variant for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro models. Thera is also a Greek island, which corresponds to Apple's previous naming scheme.
M-Series: Hidra and Sotra
Another entry in iOS 18 lists chip ID T8142 with the codename Hidra. This chip is likely the upcoming M5 processor, intended for future Macs. The name Hidra comes from a Norwegian island in Flekkefjord. ID T6050 also appears for more powerful Mac models. This refers to the M5 Pro, internally known as Sotra. Here, too, Apple is sticking with geographical names, as Sotra is an island west of Bergen in Norway. The M5 Pro is expected to feature more GPU cores than the base version.
S-Series: Bora for the Apple Watch
The chip with the ID T8320 is called Bora. It is presumably the successor to the current Apple Watch chip, possibly the S10. The chip is based on the A18 and will be installed in future Watch models.
C-Series: C4020 as communication chip
A rather soberly named chip was also discovered: C4020. This is the successor to the C1 chip used in the iPhone 16e. The C1 was Apple's first in-house communications chip. The new C4020 is not expected to appear in the iPhone 17e until 2026 at the earliest. Until then, Qualcomm modems are likely to continue to be used.
Proxima: Apple's own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modem
Information about Project Proxima had already been circulating beforehand. Now it has also been spotted in iOS 18. It is a new Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modem that Apple is developing together with Broadcom. It is expected to be first deployed in fall 2025 – initially in the Apple TV and HomePod. Later, the module will also be used in iPhones and Macs.
Broad chip roadmap: Apple brings new generations at all levels
The iOS 18 leak reveals how many new chips Apple is currently developing in parallel. The information shows that nearly every product category is set to receive an update: iPhones with the A19 and A19 Pro, Macs with the M5 and M5 Pro, the Apple Watch with a new S chip, and Apple's own modem project with Proxima. A new communications chip for upcoming iPhones is also already in the planning stages. Anyone following Apple's hardware strategy can see a clear direction from this information: Apple wants more powerful, better-integrated chips and increasing independence from external suppliers like Qualcomm. The development of its own communications solutions and modems is a key component of this. The coming years are likely to be technologically exciting – with new generations in almost all Apple devices. (Image: Shutterstock / fireFX)
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