Apple's A16 processor to be exclusive to iPhone 14 Pro, says Kuo

Backing up previous rumors, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that only the iPhone 14 Pro models will feature the new A16 processor - and that consequently, Apple expects to sell a greater proportion of the Pro models than usual.

Analysts including Ming-Chi Kuo himself have previously suggested that the iPhone 14 will remain on the A15 processor as used in the current iPhone 13. And equally that there will be a new A16 processor, but it will be in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max only.

Now in a new tweet and Medium blog post, Kuo repeats his claim about the A16 exclusivity. However, he also adds that this will means a difference to the proportion of Pro and non-Pro models.

"The latest A16 processor will be exclusive to two iPhone 14 Pro/high-end models," writes Kuo in the full blog post, "significantly boosting the shipment proportion of new iPhone high-end models in 2H22 to 55-60% (vs. 40-50% in the past)."

Kuo also argues that this "high shipment proportion of iPhone high-end models" will mean increased orders for "high-end camera component suppliers." Specifically, he sees "significant YoY growth" for those companies.

"The marked increase in the shipment proportion of iPhone 14 high-end models benefits the major high-end component suppliers of the rear camera," he says, "including Sony (CIS), Largan (lens), Alps (VCM/OIS), and LG Innotek (CCM)."

Kuo estimates a 100% increase for Sony, which makes the front FaceTime camera, and LG Innotek, which manufactures camera modules. He predicts a 60% to 70% growth for lens maker Largan and voice coil motor manufacturer Alps.

Separately, Apple has been previously been reported to be adopting a 4nm process for its A16 processor.