Apple has designed the A17 Pro chip internally which will have a 6-core central processing unit and a 6-core graphics processing unit. This additional graphical computing core will improve graphics performance and permit novel gaming experiences, including ray tracing. This has motivated some game makers to create iOS-specific adaptations of their renowned titles for the first time.
Apple today unveiled the much-anticipated new iPhone 15, which features a brand-new A17 Pro chip. Designed by Apple, the chip boasts a six-core central processing unit and a six-core graphics processing unit - one more GPU core than the A16 processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max and this year's iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. This additional core promises improved graphics performance, including support for innovative ray tracing techniques for realistic lighting of elements like reflections and shadows.
Ben Bajarin, CEO and principal analyst of Creative Strategies, commented that Apple's emphasis on the GPU was telling. “Camera, chip, GPU, visual experience, gaming - this is the platform that will take iPhone the next four to five years." This is exciting news for gamers, as game makers are now creating iPhone-native versions of their popular titles for the first time, such as Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Mirage and Capcom's Resident Evil 4 Remake.
The iPhone 15 Pro's processor is also the first chip to be made with 3-nanometer technology. This advanced semiconductor node is predominantly manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), with Apple being its largest customer. The use of 3-nanometer technology has raised questions about China's intentions to invade Taiwan.
TSMC's huge $40 billion investment in a new chip manufacturing plant in Arizona has been hindered by a lack of trained semiconductor workers in the U.S., contributing to the prolonged chip shortage impacting the manufacture of a wide range of items from cars to smartphones. According to analyst Bajarin, it is difficult to ramp up production as demand increase due to constraints with 3-nanometer supply. However, Apple is leveraging this platform shift to 3-nanometer chips to position itself competitively to rival Intel with its new Apple silicon, the S9 System-in-Package or SiP, that is making its debut on the Apple Watch Series 9. This chip is the firm's most potent yet and offers features like a double-tap gesture to answer and end calls without touching the watch, and on-device Siri for keeping personal health data away from the cloud.
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