If you’re considering an upgrade to the iPhone 17, it might be wise to pause and think about waiting for the iPhone 18, which is set to launch in 2026. Although we are still six months away from the iPhone 17 release, several compelling reasons support delaying your purchase. The iPhone 18 is expected to feature the advanced A20 application processor, manufactured by TSMC.
Initially, it was believed that this chip would utilize Apple’s third-generation 3nm process. However, recent statements from analyst Jeff Pu suggest a shift, indicating that the A20 will be produced using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process. This upgrade could translate into significant enhancements in both power and energy efficiency for the A20 and A20 Pro chipsets.
If your current iPhone is still functioning well, or if you don’t need to upgrade every year, holding off for the iPhone 18 may be a smart choice. While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to receive an upgrade from 8GB to 12GB of RAM, the iPhone 18 models could all come equipped with 12GB. This potential boost in RAM would enhance multitasking and gaming capabilities, making the device more powerful and versatile.
It’s important to note that while upgrading to a 2nm process might impact Apple’s costs in the initial stages, TSMC is showing promising yield rates. Early tests reported a 60% yield, which could improve significantly as production scales up. In summary, waiting an additional year to upgrade to the iPhone 18 could provide you with a more efficient chip and greater memory capacity, leading to a better overall experience in gaming and multitasking.