Apple is relying on AI to sell a lot of iPhone 16s

After a timid success with the iPhone 15, Apple is preparing for the future and the arrival of artificial intelligence across its entire range. The company is anticipating strong demand and is preparing for it by increasing the volume of orders for its new chips.

With the arrival of Apple Intelligence, the Cupertino company expects to see its sales take off. According to the Chinese website CTEEApple has reportedly asked chipmaker TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) to prepare between 90 and 100 million chips for the iPhone 16.

Artificial Intelligence for Sales

Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI, was introduced at WWDC 2024, and it continues to be talked about. And while its executives have pointed out that the lack of this feature in older models was partly due to hardware limitations, one can legitimately wonder if there isn’t an economic argument. We learn via CTEE Typical order numbers for Apple chips are between 80 and 90 million, while here we are moving to an order size that fluctuates between 90 and 100 million.

Today, Apple Intelligence will only be available on the two Pro models of the iPhone 15 powered by the A17 Pro chip, while the base and Plus models get the A16 chip from the previous range. With the iPhone 16, all models in the lineup are expected to be powered by the A18 chip based on the A17 Pro chipset design. If it all comes together with Apple Intelligence, we should still find differences between the Classic, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions. They will also benefit from TSMC’s new N3E engraving process. This 3nm engraving system improves the power efficiency and performance of the chip.

Associated with the chip changes, we will find an improvement in the RAM side. The blocking factor for previous models is what will allow iPhones to respond quickly to requests made to artificial intelligence. Note that some Apple Intelligence functions will work locally without using a cloud system.

So AI could be at the heart of Apple’s strategy to drive sales and ensure sustainability. If Apple sticks to the format, the iPhone 16 should be unveiled in September 2024.