Apple Inc. has just revealed its eagerly awaited iPhone 15 Pro, marking a significant leap in smartphone technology.
This latest device boasts an impressive array of features, including the utilization of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) cutting-edge N3 process, often referred to as “3 nm.”
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro takes a pioneering step by becoming the first smartphone to integrate TSMC’s N3 process. This innovative technology has opened doors to a range of new capabilities, propelling the iPhone into the lead across various categories.
During Apple’s September 12 event, Sribalan Santhanam, VP of Silicon Engineering, made statements about the process, particularly mentioning elements being “just over 12 silicon atoms wide.” However, these statements have raised eyebrows for their lack of precision.
Read also: Apple launches iPhone 15 series on September 13
N3 Process: Separating Fact from Fiction
To clarify, the key metric for assessing a semiconductor process is transistor areal density, quantified in millions of transistors per square millimeter. TSMC’s presentation at the International Electron Devices Meeting in 2022 disclosed the Contacted Poly Pitch (CPP) for N3. While other dimensional parameters were not revealed, proportional scaling of these parameters still doesn’t align with Santhanam’s reference to 12 silicon atoms wide.
It’s expected that the N3 process will deliver a substantial increase in transistor density. A 70% improvement has been touted compared to TSMC’s N5 process. The iPhone 15 Pro, based on N3, is likely to incorporate a chip size reduction for improved yield while expanding the transistor count. Apple has already claimed that the A17 Pro houses a staggering 19 billion transistors.
Transformative Features of the A17
With an additional 3 billion transistors over its predecessor, the A17 Pro allows Apple to introduce transformative enhancements. While the CPU’s core count remains unchanged, Apple has opted to invest these extra transistors in other areas.
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has undergone a complete overhaul, featuring a new shader architecture and an additional GPU core compared to the A16. Hardware-accelerated ray tracing is a groundbreaking addition to Apple’s arsenal.
Boosting AI Capabilities
Apple has channelled a significant portion of these additional transistors into turbocharging the A17 Neural Engine. While the core count remains consistent with the A16, the A17 boasts double the processing speed. This enhancement promises to revolutionize on-device AI applications.
These hardware improvements translate into an array of benefits for users. The inclusion of hardware-accelerated ray tracing and AI capabilities ushers in a new era of gaming on Apple devices. Titles like The Division Resurgence, Resident Evil Village, and Assassin’s Creed Mirage are set to enhance the gaming experience.
AI Integration Across the Board
Beyond gaming, AI is deeply integrated into the iPhone experience. Features like computational photography enable automatic person detection for portrait mode, while spatial video capture using multiple cameras adds dimension to videography. AI-based background noise suppression enhances voice calls, a significant advantage for users.
Apple’s advancements in the A17 Pro chip are not limited to the iPhone. They lay the groundwork for future developments across the product line. This includes the recently unveiled Apple Watch Series 9, which now incorporates a Neural Engine, expanding its capabilities.
A Glimpse into Apple’s Future
Apple’s strategic allocation of transistors in the A17 Pro, emphasizing GPU enhancement and AI acceleration, has far-reaching implications. While the CPU remains powerful, the focus on these areas positions Apple favorably for expanding its presence in the gaming industry and leveraging AI for transformative functions.
The iPhone 15 Pro represents a significant milestone for Apple, setting the stage for growth and innovation. As every Apple platform transitions to Apple Silicon, investors must closely monitor the iPhone’s trajectory. The impact of the A17 Pro’s advancements will ripple through the product ecosystem, potentially transforming Apple’s role in AI and gaming.
In summary, the iPhone 15 Pro is poised to make a significant impact on the smartphone industry, potentially revitalizing it. This development augurs well for Apple’s revenue growth in fiscal 2024, offering an optimistic outlook for investors.