iPhone 18 Pro Poised for Advanced 2nm Chip Upgrade in 2026

iPhone 18 Pro Models Likely to Get 2nm Chips in 2026

According to a tweet by supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to continue using 3nm chips for all four models of the iPhone 17 in 2025. However, some models of the iPhone 18, specifically the Pro variants, are anticipated to be equipped with more advanced 2nm processors in 2026.

Kuo suggests that this move is driven by cost concerns, as smaller process chips become increasingly challenging and expensive to produce due to lower yield rates. The standard and Plus models of the iPhone 18 may not receive the 2nm chip.

Apple has traditionally used processor differences to distinguish between standard and Pro models. For instance, the A18 and A18 Pro chips both use a 3nm process, with the primary difference being the number of GPU cores (6-core for Pro models vs. 5-core for standard and Plus models). This trend is expected to continue with the A19 chips in next year's iPhones.

The gap between standard and Pro models is set to widen in 2026 with the introduction of 2nm technology, further emphasizing Apple's strategy of using advanced processors to differentiate its product lineup.