In this article, we break down the key differences between Apple's A18 and A18 Pro chips.
Read on for a comprehensive guide on which processor is right for your next iPhone.
Explore all the vital details and performance metrics you need to know before making your upgrade.
Apple announced new second-generation 3-nanometer chips for both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models on September 9, 2024, bringing notable improvements in performance. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus feature the A18 chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with the A18 Pro chip.
Apple's in-house mobile processor technology, which began with the iPhone 4 unveiled in 2010, has evolved rapidly, especially in recent years. At first, with just one chip announced per year, it was easier — but these days, understanding the distinctions between Apple's latest chips every year can be a bit difficult, especially with multiple new chips being released with every iPhone generation. Knowing the difference between each generation and the chipset can help you make informed purchasing decisions. In this article, we’ll break down the key features and performance metrics of the Apple A18 and A18 Pro processors, Apple's newest iPhone chips.
Processor Specifications
A18 and A18 Pro Shared Features
Architecture: Second-generation 3-nm process technology with smaller transistors.
CPU Cores: 6-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 2 efficiency cores.
Neural Engine: Upgraded 16-core Neural Engine optimized for running large generative models.
Memory Subsystem: 17% more memory bandwidth.
Apple A18
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple A18 chip, in all its beautiful glory.
Feature
Specification
CPU Cores
6 (4 performance, 2 efficiency)
GPU Cores
5-core
Neural Engine
16-core
Architecture
3nm process technology
Performance
30% faster CPU, 40% faster GPU compared to A16 Bionic
Energy Efficiency
30% better than A16 Bionic
Hardware Features
Ray tracing support, new thermal design for sustained performance
Apple A18 Pro
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple A18 Pro chip, interestingly marketed to look a lot more "pro" in Apple's official marketing.
Feature
Specification
CPU Cores
6 (4 performance, 2 efficiency)
GPU Cores
6-core
Neural Engine
16-core
Architecture
3nm process technology
Performance
15% faster CPU, 20% faster GPU compared to A18
Energy Efficiency
20% better than A17 Pro
Hardware Features
Enhanced thermal management, advanced display engine, new video encoder
Performance Comparison
CPU Performance
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Chip
CPU Cores
Performance Improvement
A18
6 (4 performance, 2 efficiency)
30% faster than A16 Bionic
A18 Pro
6 (4 performance, 2 efficiency)
15% faster than A18
GPU Performance
Chip
GPU Cores
Performance Improvement
A18
5-core
40% faster than A16 Bionic
A18 Pro
6-core
20% faster than A18
Neural Engine and AI Capabilities
Chip
Neural Engine
AI Performance Improvement
A18
16-core
2x faster than A16 Bionic
A18 Pro
16-core
15% faster than A17 Pro
Energy Efficiency
Chip
Efficiency Improvement
A18
30% better than A16 Bionic
A18 Pro
20% better than A17 Pro
Summary
Apple A18
Best For: Users seeking a balance of high performance and efficiency for general use, gaming, and professional tasks.
Key Advantages: Improved CPU and GPU performance, support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and new thermal design for sustained performance.
Apple A18 Pro
Best For: Power users and professionals needing the highest performance for demanding applications, advanced gaming, and AI tasks.
Key Advantages: Top-tier CPU and GPU performance, enhanced thermal management, and advanced display and video processing features.
Understanding these details will help you select the processor that best fits your needs, whether you’re looking for top-of-the-line performance or a more balanced approach to power and efficiency.
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Published to Apple Scoop on 12th September, 2024.
Flynn Lo Faro
Team Leader / Editor-in-Chief
Flynn has been covering technology for over a decade, with a deep focus on all things Apple. As the Editor-in-Chief of Apple Scoop, Flynn ensures the team delivers the most accurate and up-to-date information on Apple news, rumors, and product releases. His passion for tech journalism and editorial expertise guide the site’s vision and maintain its high standards.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple A18 chip, in all its beautiful glory.
Photo via Apple Inc. // The Apple A18 Pro chip, interestingly marketed to look a lot more "pro" in Apple's official marketing.
