This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple aims to make a major technological leap with the iPhone 18. According to current estimates by renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the next iPhone generation will be equipped with the new A20 chip – and it will be manufactured using the 2-nanometer process for the first time. This would be a first for Apple and would significantly differentiate the iPhone 18 from the iPhone 17 in terms of performance and power consumption.
The size of a chip has a direct impact on its efficiency and computing power. The smaller the structure width, the more transistors fit into the same area – meaning more performance with less energy consumption. This is precisely where Apple is coming in with the A20 chip. The switch from 3 nm to 2 nm is considered a key development step in semiconductor manufacturing. According to Kuo, manufacturing partner TSMC has now achieved a stable yield in test production of 2 nm chips. The yield – the proportion of functional chips per produced wafer – is now well above the 60 to 70 percent range. This indicates that the technology is mature enough to go into series production in 2026.
The A20 chip in detail
The A20 chip, which will be installed in the iPhone 18, is based on TSMC's so-called N2 process—the first generation of the 2nm process. In comparison:
- The A17 Pro (iPhone 15 Pro) is based on N3B, the first 3nm generation
- A18 and A18 Pro (iPhone 16) are manufactured with the improved N3E process
- A19 and A19 Pro (presumably for the iPhone 17) are based on N3P, the third 3nm generation
According to Kuo and other analysts, Apple expects the switch to 2 nm for the A20 to deliver a performance increase of up to 15 percent over the A19. At the same time, energy consumption should be reduced by up to 30 percent. This means you'll be able to work faster with the iPhone 18 and have longer battery life—especially for intensive applications like gaming, photo editing, or AI-based features.
How reliable are the forecasts?
Ming-Chi Kuo is known for his reliable assessments of Apple's supply chain. He first discussed the 2nm A20 chip around six months ago. This prediction has since been confirmed by another analyst, Jeff Pu. Initially, there were rumors that the A20 could remain on the 3nm process, but these assessments are now considered outdated. The current information is therefore quite stable: The development of the 2nm A20 chip is proceeding according to plan, and Apple is likely to use it in the iPhone 18 as expected (via X).
When will the iPhone 18 be released?
The iPhone 18 is expected to be released in fall 2026—about a year and a half from now. While that's still a while away, the current state of chip development shows that Apple is well on schedule technologically.
iPhone 18: The next big performance upgrade
The iPhone 18, with its new 2nm A20 chip, will represent a significant upgrade over previous models. You can expect noticeably more performance and improved energy efficiency. Chip production yields are stable, the technology is ready, and analysts are largely in agreement. So if you want an iPhone that represents another real leap forward in terms of technology, the iPhone 18 should be on your radar. (Photo by Unsplash / David Hurley)
- Foldable iPhone: Thin design, strong battery life
- Foldable iPhone: Apple relies on liquid metal hinge
- iPhone 17: New leaks show revised case design
