No, iPhones do not currently use 1.6nm processors, and Apple has not announced any such chip. The smallest process node used in any shipping iPhone as of 2025 is 3nm (used in the A17 Pro and A18 series). This article explains what “1.6nm” actually refers to, why you might have heard the term, and what chip technology iPhones really use.
What Does “1.6nm” Actually Mean?
The “nm” (nanometer) in chip manufacturing refers to a node size, but it is not a literal physical dimension of a transistor. It’s a marketing and engineering label that historically indicated the minimum feature size, but since the 7nm generation, the numbers no longer correspond to any measurable physical feature. For example, a 3nm chip does not have any transistor gate that is actually 3 nanometers wide. Instead, the node name reflects a generational improvement in density, power, and performance.
The term “1.6nm” is sometimes used in industry roadmaps for future processes (like TSMC’s N1.6, expected around 2026-2027), but it is not in production for any consumer device yet. So when you hear “1.6nm,” it’s either a forward-looking prediction or a misunderstanding.
Current iPhone Chip Process Nodes
Here is a quick timeline of recent iPhone chip nodes:
- iPhone 14 Pro (A16 Bionic): 4nm (TSMC N4, an enhanced 5nm variant)
- iPhone 15 Pro (A17 Pro): 3nm (TSMC N3B)
- iPhone 16 series (A18 and A18 Pro): 3nm (TSMC N3E)
Apple has consistently used TSMC’s latest available process for its flagship chips, but as of 2025, that is 3nm, not 1.6nm. The transition to 2nm is expected around 2025-2026, and 1.6nm is likely a few years further out.
Why Do People Say iPhone Uses 1.6nm?
There are a few reasons this rumor might circulate:
- Confusion with Angstrom (Å) units: Some articles use “1.6nm” to describe the gate pitch or a specific feature, but that’s not the node name.
- Future roadmap speculation: TSMC has publicly discussed its N1.6 process, and some outlets prematurely connect it to future iPhones.
- Marketing hype: “Smaller is better” is a common perception, so some may assume Apple would already be at the smallest number.
It’s important to verify claims with official announcements. Apple typically announces chip details at its September events, and they specify the node in press releases.
How Chip Nodes Affect Performance and Battery Life
Smaller nodes generally allow more transistors in the same area, which can improve performance and reduce power consumption. For example, the A17 Pro moved from 4nm to 3nm and saw about a 10% CPU speed boost and 20% better GPU performance while using less power. However, the gains from node shrinks are becoming smaller each generation, and other factors like architecture and thermal design matter more.
For a typical user, the node size alone doesn’t determine how fast your phone feels. The operating system, app optimization, and RAM also play huge roles. So even if a future iPhone uses a 2nm chip, don’t expect a night-and-day difference.
Common Misconception: “nm” vs. “nm-class”
Some people confuse “1.6nm” with “1.6nm-class,” which is a marketing term that can stretch the truth. In 2020, TSMC’s 5nm was actually comparable to Intel’s 7nm in density, so the numbers are not standardized across manufacturers. This is why comparing node names from different companies is misleading. For iPhones, the most accurate way to compare is to look at transistor density (millions of transistors per square millimeter) rather than the node label.
What to Expect in the Future
TSMC’s roadmap includes N2 (2nm) around 2025-2026, and N1.6 (1.6nm) around 2026-2027. Apple is typically the first customer for TSMC’s most advanced nodes, so it’s plausible that a future iPhone could use 1.6nm, but that would be several years away. As of now, no official iPhone chip has been announced beyond the A18 series.
If you’re considering buying a new iPhone, don’t wait for a specific node number. The performance difference between 3nm and 2nm will be modest, and software support and battery health are more important factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 using a 1.6nm chip?
No. The iPhone 16 series uses the A18 and A18 Pro chips, which are built on TSMC’s 3nm process (N3E). There is no 1.6nm chip in any current iPhone.
When will Apple release a 1.6nm chip?
Based on TSMC’s roadmap, 1.6nm is expected around 2026-2027. Apple would likely use it in a future iPhone, but no official announcement has been made.
Is 1.6nm better than 3nm?
Generally yes, in terms of density and efficiency, but the real-world benefit depends on the specific chip design. A well-designed 3nm chip can outperform a poorly designed 1.6nm chip, but the same company usually sees incremental gains with each node shrink.
Does a smaller nm mean the phone is faster?
Not necessarily. A smaller node allows for more transistors, but speed also depends on clock frequency, architecture, and thermal limits. For example, the A15 (5nm) was faster than some older 7nm chips, but not because of the node alone.
Why do some articles say “1.6nm” for iPhones?
Those articles are likely referring to future plans or misinterpreting technical specifications. Always check the date of the article and cross-reference with Apple’s official press releases.
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