Apple A13 Processor with Codename ‘Lightning’ Surfaces Online, Likely to be Built on the 7nm Process

While the A12 chipset is still very much in the competition, Apple is gearing up to roll-out its successor in the next fall.

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Apple is reportedly working on the A13 processor for its new lineup of iPhones next year. As leaked by the famous hacker Longhorn, the new chip goes by the name ‘Lightning’. This is the same leakster who broke the news of the A12 chip, which turned out to be true and we believe he might also be right this time around. One of the USPs of the Apple devices is its powerful processor. While the A12 chipset is still very much in the competition, Apple is gearing up to roll-out its successor in the next fall.

Bearing the model name T8030, the A13 chip is said to more powerful and battery-efficient. Not much is known about the upcoming processor but the fact that it exists in the working and the rest are assumptions. Let’s find what we can expect from Apple’s A13 chipset and when is it likely to arrive.

A13 Chip is Based on 7nm Process

Looks like TSMC is not yet ready for the 5nm process and we will have to wait for Apple’s 2020 iPhones lineup to get one. Anyway, the alleged A13 chip also uses the 7nm manufacturing process with a big room for the Neural Engine. This part handles all the AI and machine learning processing and makes the iPhones what they are. Most of the iOS functionalities are based on AI algorithms and machine learning programs. Neural Engine directly impacts apps like camera, photos, Augmented Reality and the other Apple services. Boosting the Neural Engine will increase the operational speed, which in turn, will make these functionalities more efficient.

Moreover, the GPU and CPU don’t need an upgrade just yet. The combination is powerful enough to take on the rivals in the market currently. Furthermore, the A13 might bring a customized version for Mac in select notebooks. The company believes that these notebooks will offer enhanced performance and cooling conditions will be in favor as well compared to the handsets. For now, this is all theoretical and Apple is yet to introduce a whole new lineup to test the waters.

Speaking of notebooks, Qualcomm is also diving in this territory with a few successful integrations in collaboration with Microsoft and other computer makers. As for mobile, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 is still the flagship chipset and its successor is under production for now. The news of the new Apple chipset increases the pressure on Qualcomm and it would go manyfolds if Apple uses A13 in future MacBooks.

Apple Goes Back to iPhone X After the New Lineup Disappoints

In a related news, Apple has resumed the production of iPhone X, one of the most successful devices in terms of iPhones. Apple recently launched the new iPhone XS, XS Max, and the iPhone XR in the hope to push the competition levels in the premium smartphone category. Instead, the new iPhones did not even live up to the basic sales expectation and Apple had no choice but to go back to the iPhone X for making up for the damage. The company reportedly slashed the production orders for the latest iPhones as initial numbers did not meet the expectation.

Apple has a wide range of products to get the revenue numbers and establish dominance but iPhones are the most important part of its entire lineup. Apart from a better processor, consumers wish to see a better battery life, even superior camera quality and of course, a little flexible pricing. Let’s see what the tech giant brings us in the next round of announcements.