Your iPhone model name tells you the “family,” but the A-series chip is what actually determines real-world performance, graphics features, camera/video capabilities, and how long new iOS updates keep feeling fast.
This iPhone chip list maps A-series chips to each iPhone model—so you can quickly answer the question: what A-series chip is in my iPhone?
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If you’re comparing resale value, checking app compatibility, or deciding whether an upgrade is worth it, start with the table below and then verify using your model identifier if needed.
Why the A-series chip matters
Apple’s A-series chips aren’t just faster CPUs. They bundle CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, and memory controllers in one SoC (system-on-chip), which directly affects:
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- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Speed and responsiveness for everyday UI, scrolling, and app launch time
- Graphics performance (especially on Pro models with extra GPU features)
- Machine learning features via the Neural Engine (camera enhancements, on-device AI tasks)
- Camera and video features like ProRes support and advanced stabilization (when supported)
- Long-term software support patterns across iOS versions
iPhone A-series chip list by model (A7 to A17 Pro)
Apple has used A-series branding since the iPhone 5s. Below is the standard mapping for the A-series generations you’ll commonly see on iPhone models sold in the market.
Note: This list covers A-series chips used in iPhone models up through the iPhone 15 generation (including iPhone 15 Pro). If you have an iPhone newer than that, verify via the model identifier method in the next section.
Compact reference table
| iPhone model | A-series chip | Launch year |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5s | A7 | 2013 |
| iPhone 6 | A8 | 2014 |
| iPhone 6 Plus | A8 | 2014 |
| iPhone 6s | A9 | 2015 |
| iPhone 6s Plus | A9 | 2015 |
| iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016) | A9 | 2016 |
| iPhone 7 | A10 Fusion | 2016 |
| iPhone 7 Plus | A10 Fusion | 2016 |
| iPhone 8 | A11 Bionic | 2017 |
| iPhone 8 Plus | A11 Bionic | 2017 |
| iPhone X | A11 Bionic | 2017 |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) | A13 Bionic | 2020 |
| iPhone XR | A12 Bionic | 2018 |
| iPhone XS | A12 Bionic | 2018 |
| iPhone XS Max | A12 Bionic | 2018 |
| iPhone 11 | A13 Bionic | 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro | A13 Bionic | 2019 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max | A13 Bionic | 2019 |
| iPhone 12 | A14 Bionic | 2020 |
| iPhone 12 mini | A14 Bionic | 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro | A14 Bionic | 2020 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | A14 Bionic | 2020 |
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | 2021 |
| iPhone 13 mini | A15 Bionic | 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | A15 Bionic | 2021 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | A15 Bionic | 2021 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) | A15 Bionic | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 | A15 Bionic | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Plus | A15 Bionic | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro | A16 Bionic | 2022 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | A16 Bionic | 2022 |
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic | 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Plus | A16 Bionic | 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | A17 Pro | 2023 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | 2023 |
How to verify the chip when the model name doesn’t match
Most of the time, the model name is enough. But if you bought a used phone, see an unexpected configuration, or you’re comparing multiple listings, verification saves you from mistakes.
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Step 1: Get your exact model identifier
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Find the line for Model Number
- Write down the value exactly (for example, something like
MG.../A)
If you see a “Model Number” but can’t identify the full format, copy the text carefully. One wrong character can lead you to the wrong mapping.
Step 2: Cross-check against Apple tech specs
Use Apple’s official tech specs pages for your exact device model (model number / model identifier). Then confirm the SoC listed there.
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- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
If you’re shopping or researching on eBay, listings sometimes reuse marketing names. The model number is harder to fake than the headline.
Step 3: Confirm with benchmark/device reports (optional)
If the Apple lookup is inconvenient, you can use benchmark apps that report the SoC. For example, many benchmark results include the chip name (like A15 Bionic or A16 Bionic).
Benchmarks are useful for confirmation, but treat them as a cross-check—not your only source.
Common gotchas and edge cases
SE vs base iPhone: same chip doesn’t mean same feature set
iPhone SE models often use chips that are also found in base iPhones, but features can still differ (camera hardware, display, modem variant, sensor capabilities). Chip matching alone won’t tell you everything.
Always compare the feature requirements you actually care about—camera modes, 5G bands, storage size, or display tech.
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Same marketing name can include different hardware variants (for example, cellular band support). The A-series chip is the key compute part and usually stays consistent, but verifying the exact model number is the cleanest approach.
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- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
This matters most when you see a listing that looks “international” or refurbished.
“A-series” vs “processor class” confusion
Some sites describe performance using terms like “neural engine generation” or “GPU core count” without naming the full chip. If you see conflicting claims, rely on the chip name (A7, A12, A16 Bionic) from official sources or consistent benchmark reports.
Performance expectations by chip generation
Here’s how chip generations usually translate into day-to-day experience patterns. Treat this as practical guidance, not a promise—storage speed, battery health, and iOS version matter too.
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A7 to A11 era
iPhone 5s through iPhone 8/X generally handles basic tasks fine for light use. Heavier apps (AR, complex games, multitasking) feel constrained, and newer iOS features tend to be limited.
If you’re buying on a budget, confirm battery condition and iOS support for the specific model.
A12 to A13 era
iPhone XR/XS and the iPhone 11 line are the “sweet spot” where performance is still acceptable for many users. A13 Bionic (iPhone 11/SE 2020/SE 2020) is especially comfortable for most mainstream app use.
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- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Video workflows and camera processing feel notably smoother than older A-series phones.
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A14 to A16 era
A14 Bionic (iPhone 12 family) and A15 Bionic (iPhone 13 family and many SE variants) bring better efficiency and stronger graphics performance. When you move to A16 Bionic (iPhone 14 Pro/14 Pro Max and iPhone 15/15 Plus), you typically get a more headroom-friendly experience with demanding tasks.
These chips also tend to age better under frequent iOS updates.
A17 Pro era (Pro models)
A17 Pro in iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is designed for top-end graphics and compute-heavy features. If your workload includes demanding games or creator-style workflows (capture, encode, and edit on-device), this is where you feel the difference.
For non-Pro users, A17 Pro is usually best viewed as “buy now for longevity and heavy use,” not just for small everyday speed bumps.
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Does iPhone 14 use A16 Bionic?
No. iPhone 14 (and iPhone 14 Plus) uses A15 Bionic. A16 Bionic is used for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
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- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Which chip is in iPhone 15 Pro?
iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max use A17 Pro.
What A-series chip is in iPhone SE?
The answer depends on the generation. iPhone SE (1st gen, 2016) uses A9; iPhone SE (2nd gen, 2020) uses A13 Bionic; iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) uses A15 Bionic.
Where can I see my iPhone’s A-series chip in Settings?
Apple doesn’t provide a simple “Chip: A16 Bionic” line in Settings. The most reliable method is using your Model Number (Settings > General > About) and cross-checking the official tech specs.
Can two iPhones with the same chip feel different?
Yes. Storage type, RAM, display tech, thermal limits, battery health, and the iOS version can affect perceived speed. The chip is a major factor, but it’s not the only one.
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This iPhone chip list gives you the fast mapping you need—from A7 onward—so you can stop guessing and make informed decisions about performance and upgrade value.
If you’re verifying a used device or reconciling conflicting listing details, rely on the model identifier workflow and confirm with Apple’s tech specs for that exact model number.
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