Apple’s engineers have been pushing the limits with their new graphics process unit (GPU) for the upcoming iPhone 14 Pro series. Unfortunately, according to a report by The Information and based on software simulations run at Apple, early prototypes of this cutting-edge process unit demanded far more energy than anticipated.
Two sources with direct knowledge of Apple confirm the issue that the prototype GPU chips in Apple’s new iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max are consuming too much power from their batteries, causing some models to run hotter than expected. But according to four sources informed that this set of issues was discovered at its final stages, too late in the development process to be addressed. This issue forced Apple to get creative in order to develop the A16 Bionic SoC and design its new GPU based on last year’s graphic processing component.
Taking a leap forward in graphics, the next-gen GPU would have offered advanced capabilities such as hardware-accelerated ray tracing which allows for unparalleled realism and accuracy when it comes to creating life-like shadows by realistically capturing how light behaves. With its realistic feel, mobile gaming would have taken a leap into unprecedented heights of entertainment.
Despite Apple’s ambitious plans for the iPhone 14 Pro models, their GPU, unfortunately, didn’t meet expectations – a departure that The Information labels as “unprecedented” in company history.
This follows Apple’s failure to circumvent two Qualcomm patents held by the San Diego-based chip designer. A major blow to Apple’s plans for next year and will have exclusive control of 5G modem chips used in the iPhone 15 line.
Apple had ambitious plans to utilize its self-designed 5G modem chips on the 80% of its upcoming 2023 iPhone 15 units, leaving only a fraction for Qualcomm. Qualcomm’s 5G patents ensure that the chip maker will remain a reliable source of modems for Apple’s 2023 iPhone lineup.
Despite their usually steady sailing, Apple’s chip designing unit has weathered a set of notable challenges. In addition to not being able to keep up with the development curve for GPU and 5G modems, they also have endured an exodus of renowned engineers and designers.
Gerard Williams III, once a star CPU designer at Apple, left his post in 2019 to launch his own company. In the wake of this departure, Mike Fillipo stepped up as the new head engineer for all things processor-related. However, he recently departed for Microsoft, leaving the renowned tech giant without a replacement. Currently, Johny Srouji serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Technology at Apple, leading the unit.
