Until now, all new September iPhone models, regardless of price, came with the latest and most powerful Apple chips available. There were differences in design, cameras and other features between the different models in the series, but the processor was shared across the model range.
Brand new strategy
This will change this year when only the Pro models will get the new Apple A16 Bionic, while the non-Pro versions will have the same A15 processor as the previous generation models. We’ve heard this kind of coverage before, but what’s new here is Kuo’s confirmation that this will likely be Apple’s new strategy going forward. Previously, there was hope that this was a temporary solution to the global chip shortage, but unfortunately this does not appear to be the case.
Interestingly, Apple is already doing something similar with its iPads. We’ve seen numerous budget and mid-range models launched with older processors. This didn’t seem to bother a lot of people, but with iPhones things turn out differently, not least because of the expectations and the tradition that you get the best chip with a new iPhone.
New Pro camera takes select vendors to the next level
Traditionally, the best-selling new iPhone each year has been the standard non-Pro model (like the iPhone 13 currently), while each of the more expensive Pro models lags slightly behind in terms of sales volume. However, with this new change the expectations are that more people will flock to the Pro versions with their latest chips and this will tip the balance in favor of those more expensive models.
The iPhone 14 Pro series is expected to ship with a new 48MP main camera, the first major camera upgrade in a long time. With higher shipments for those models, camera module suppliers are also expected to see an increase in their orders and the financial gain that comes with it.
The list of these suppliers includes Sony, which makes the camera sensors, Largan, which makes the camera lens, Alps, which makes the VCM/OIS modules, and LG Innotek, which makes the CCM module. All those companies are likely to see a big increase in sales if these rumors come true.
