The iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to gain a significant edge over Android flagships this year, thanks to a potentially game-changing hardware upgrade.

Experts suggest there is a possibility that Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 lineup will feature a next-generation 2nm chip - putting it ahead of the curve in smartphone performance.

Apple may debut the world’s first 2nm chip in iPhones

While earlier reports indicated that all iPhone 17 models would adopt TSMC’s third-generation 3nm process (N3P) - an upgrade over the second-generation 3nm chips (N3E) used in the iPhone 16 - new information points to something even more ambitious.

According to DigiTimes, TSMC plans to begin mass production of its 2nm chips in the second half of this year, with Apple poised to be its first client.

Surprisingly, not only the iPhone 17 Pro models, but also one of the standard models - possibly the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air - may be equipped with the new 2nm chip.

Due to production limitations, other base models in the lineup are likely to continue using the 3nm chip. The higher production cost of the 2nm chip may also explain why Apple is reserving it for premium devices.

TSMC’s 2nm technology is currently the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing process, expected to deliver up to 15% better performance and 30% greater energy efficiency compared to the 3nm process.

This development contradicts earlier predictions by renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who previously stated that the iPhone 18, expected in 2026, would be the first to feature the 2nm chip. Previous leaks also suggested that only the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max would make the generational leap in chip architecture.

It’s worth noting, however, that DigiTimes has had mixed accuracy in the past, so this information still requires further confirmation.

iPhone 17 Pro Max will still see major upgrades, with or without 2nm

Even without the 2nm chip, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is still expected to be a significant leap forward for Apple’s product line this year.

According to well-known leaker Sonny Dickson, one of the standout changes will be a redesigned rear camera module. Unlike the traditional layout where cameras are grouped in the top-left corner, the new design will spread out the components - separating the flash, microphone, and LiDAR sensor from the triple-lens camera array.

Another key upgrade is a new 48MP telephoto camera, replacing the 12MP lens found on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the upgraded telephoto camera will feature a 48MP sensor with a 1/2.6-inch size, improving over the 12MP 1/3.1-inch sensor in the current iPhone 16 Pro.

An additional Pro Max-exclusive enhancement is a significantly smaller Dynamic Island, achieved through hardware changes to the Face ID system.

Meanwhile, iOS 19 is expected to bring a dramatic overhaul to the iPhone’s software interface. Early leaks suggest that this will be the biggest design update in over a decade, further elevating the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s appeal.

If Apple truly manages to equip the iPhone 17 Pro Max with a 2nm chip, it will have a massive performance advantage over Android rivals like the Galaxy S25, which is projected to retain a 3nm chip.

Should the rumors prove true, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could emerge as the most powerful smartphone on the market when it launches.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series this September, following its annual release tradition. The lineup will include the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air.

Hai Phong