Per the rumor mill, longtime Apple supplier TSMC is slated to begin mass shipments of the upcoming A15 processor for the iPhone 13 ahead of schedule at the end of May.
The new chip will be based on an enhanced version of the 5nm process, which first debuted in the A14 Bionic with the 2020 iPad Air and iPhone 12 lineup. While the full report will likely offer more details as to the specifics of the new chip that will power the next-generation iPhones, it can be reasonably assumed that it will improve on performance and power efficiency.
Given pandemic-related setbacks last year, Apple launched the iPhone 12 in October 2020, a month away from its normal September timeframe. With impacts to supply chains beginning to ease, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has stated that he believes Apple is on track to release the iPhone 13 come September.
Regarding the iPhone 13 itself, the new handset is expected to see improved performance and power efficiency, a relocated earpiece in the top bezel, a smaller notch, and a ProMotion 120Hz and always-on-display for at least some iPhone 13 models. Additional features include a rumored new matte black option, improved fingerprint resistance for the stainless steel edges, and possibly an in-screen fingerprint sensor.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.