Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Sep 7
Apple Eyes 2nm A20 Pro Leap for iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Sep 7

Apple Eyes 2nm A20 Pro Leap for iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max

3 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Sep 7

Summary

  • Apple’s A20 Pro is expected to be the key upgrade at this week’s Cupertino event, with the rumored 2-nanometer chip targeted at the iPhone Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
  • The chip is being watched for bigger throughput and better thermal efficiency, gains that matter most if Apple debuts a foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch inner display and heavier multitasking demands.
  • For the iPhone 18 Pro Max, the performance bar is already high: the iPhone 17 Pro Max posts 4,120 single-core and 11,850 multi-core Geekbench scores, ahead of Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 rivals.
  • Graphics remain the tougher test, with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 devices reaching 29,937 in 3DMark versus 26,637 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max; a rumored vapor chamber could help Apple close that gap.
  • If the A20 Pro clears roughly 4,500 single-core and 13,000 multi-core, it would strengthen Apple’s lead in premium phones while setting up its foldable as a more credible productivity device.

Insights

Will Apple's radical 2nm A20 Pro finally crush Qualcomm's gaming dominance, or will thermal limits throttle the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
Beyond raw speed, will the A20 Pro's memory boost and hidden AI upgrades redefine how we multitask on Apple's first foldable?
Can the $1999 foldable iPhone Ultra justify its staggering price tag despite missing Face ID and a telephoto camera?