Key facts
- The iPhone 18 Pro features a new A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process node.
- Improved thermals are a key upgrade, with a larger vapor chamber and copper display plate.
- The Dynamic Island has been made smaller by moving the IR camera under the OLED panel.
- The A20 Pro chip has a 6-core CPU and a 7-core GPU with a dual 16-core Neural Engine.
- Apple claims 50% more memory bandwidth for the A20 Pro chip.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro represents an iterative update, focusing on under-the-hood improvements rather than significant design changes. The new model boasts enhanced thermal management and battery life, making it more pleasant to use, especially during demanding tasks. While flashier design ideas might be reserved for other products, the Pro line continues its role as a powerful, feature-rich workhorse.
The A20 Pro chip, built on a 2nm process, is a key upgrade, featuring a 6-core CPU and a 7-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing and a dual 16-core Neural Engine for AI workloads. Apple also claims a 50% increase in memory bandwidth for the A20 Pro, likely to support future AI features.
A notable design change is the smaller Dynamic Island, achieved by moving the IR camera beneath the OLED display. This allows for up to three live activities to be shown simultaneously, with enhanced information display for two activities.
The improved heat management, including a larger vapor chamber and copper display plate, is highlighted as a significant benefit, promising up to 40% better sustained performance compared to the iPhone 17 Pro and reducing the likelihood of overheating during prolonged use, such as GPS navigation or gaming.