References to four unreleased iPhone models have been uncovered within the tvOS 17 code by @aaronp13, a diligent code investigator. These references shed light on Apple’s chip preferences for the upcoming devices.
4 unreleased iPhone models were added in tvOS 17 beta 1 but were not noticed until now. They were removed in tvOS 17 beta 5:
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 9, 2023
iPhone15,4
iPhone15,5
iPhone16,1
iPhone16,2 https://t.co/pL1OnAOQZX
iPhone 15 Chip Choices
During the initial beta release of tvOS 17, Apple discreetly included identifiers for various models: iPhone15,4, iPhone15,5, iPhone16,1, and iPhone16,2. These identifiers remained unnoticed for several beta releases until Apple removed them in beta 5. This numbering scheme aligns with circulating rumors that the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will feature the advanced 3nm A17 chip, while the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will inherit the A16 chip, already employed in the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
The sequence of 15,4 and 15,5 mirrors the designations of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, which are known as iPhone15,2 and iPhone15,3, respectively. Apple employs the “15” label to indicate devices powered by the A16 chip. For instance, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus carry the identifiers iPhone14,7 and iPhone14,8, as they are equipped with the A15 chip.
Given that the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are set to adopt the A16 chip found in the 14 Pro and Pro Max, it is likely that 15,4 and 15,5 pertain to these models. On the other hand, 16,1 and 16,2 are anticipated to be the inaugural iPhones powered by the upcoming A17 chip, thus these identifiers are likely associated with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Aaron also stumbled upon references to an iPhone14,1 and an iPhone 14,9, devices that may be equipped with an A15 chip. The significance of these findings remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether they hint at devices to come. Notably, the identifier iPhone14,1 raises questions, as Apple has already employed the identifiers iPhone 14,2 through iPhone 14,8.
Confirmed Launch and Speculations
Rumors and speculations surrounding Apple’s intentions to employ the A16 chip for the standard iPhone 15 models, and the A17 chip for the iPhone 15 Pro models, have circulated widely. With the expected unveiling of the new iPhone models less than a month away, rumors suggest an upcoming event on September 12 where these new devices will likely be showcased.
