HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

iPhone 18 Pro Leaks Reveal Split Modem Strategy and A20 Pro Chip Details

AppleInsider •
×

Leaked Tata documentation reveals Apple's iPhone 18 Pro plans include a region-based modem approach that could split cellular hardware between markets. Files from the 630GB+ cyberattack show US variants may use Qualcomm components for mmWave support, while international models could feature Apple's proprietary C2 modem. This mirrors the current iPhone 17 strategy where some models use in-house modems and others rely on Qualcomm.

The A20 Pro chip, codenamed Borneo, appears to adopt WMCM packaging instead of the traditional In FO-PoP approach. This wafer-level multi-chip module design would separate the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine onto different dies, potentially allowing Apple to offer more varied chip configurations. Board schematics also suggest the SoC placement is shifting closer to the board's edge, which could affect thermal management and repairability.

Camera upgrades point to a new Sony IMX-905 sensor replacing the IMX-903 in the main wide camera. Diagnostic data shows sensor ID changes from 0x903 to 0x905, supporting rumors of a variable aperture system that would reduce reliance on computational photography for depth effects. Two distinct logic board part numbers (820-04340-06 and 820-04305-06) confirm different hardware configurations for mmWave and non-mmWave variants.

The leaked prototypes show Apple continuing its gradual transition away from Qualcomm dependence while still leveraging external suppliers where needed. This hybrid approach suggests the company isn't ready to fully abandon Qualcomm hardware for mmWave capabilities, making the iPhone 18 Pro's cellular performance dependent on regional availability and carrier support.