Apple A19 SoC: Detailed look at the new chip Apfelpatient

With the iPhone 17, Apple introduced the next generation of chips: the A19 and A19 Pro. Compared to the A18, the new chip doesn't bring a complete revolution, but it does offer visible advances in detail. Microscope images show how Apple has refined the design to increase performance and efficiency.

The A19 is an example of how Apple is continuing its approach to chip development. Instead of making radical changes, Apple is focusing on continuous optimization. This is precisely what makes the A19 interesting: The chip is based on a similar structure to the A18, but has been modified in key areas. Photos from ChipWise provide the first detailed insights into its design and manufacturing process.

Microscopic images of the A19

ChipWise has published high-resolution images showing both the front and back of the A19. The back, in particular, provides valuable information. The chip is manufactured using TSMC's 3-nanometer N3P process, the third generation of this technology. The images demonstrate a higher transistor density than the A18. More transistors enable more computing power in the same area and simultaneously improve energy efficiency. However, the performance improvements are described as only moderate.

Architecture and core design

The CPU retains its hybrid-core design. Performance and efficiency cores continue to work together to find the right balance between speed and power consumption depending on the situation. The GPU has also been upgraded. Both the A19 and A19 Pro now feature neural accelerators in the GPU cores. In addition, several areas have been redesigned:

The image signal processor supports better image processing.
The display engine ensures optimized image output.
The Neural Engine performs AI tasks and improves energy management.

Layout and design philosophy

Much of the layout remains familiar. The back of the A19 is very similar to that of the A18. The individual functional blocks are still located in the same places, but Apple has refined these areas. This demonstrates its typical strategy: maintaining existing structures while sharpening details.

Differences between A19 and A19 Pro

One difference to the A18 generation is striking: There are already images for the A19, but not yet for the A19 Pro. This was different with last year's chips. Back then, it became clear that the A18 and A18 Pro were two separate designs. Whether this is also the case this time cannot be confirmed without images of the A19 Pro.

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Why Apple is focusing on evolution with the A19

The A19 SoC isn't a complete new beginning, but rather a consistent evolution. The move to TSMC's N3P process, the increased transistor density, and the refined cores for the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine demonstrate how Apple is simultaneously improving performance and efficiency. Despite the modest performance gains, the chip stands out with its greater energy efficiency and optimized specialized processors. Apple thus proves that evolution rather than revolution is often the better strategy. The A19 brings precisely the adjustments that are crucial for a balanced ratio of performance and battery life—thus continuing the line that has shaped the success of its own chips to date. (Image: Shutterstock / photoschmidt)