- Analyst Jeff Pu reportedly claims the iPhone 18 Pro models could be the first iPhones to feature the next-generation "N2" chip.
- The leak suggests Apple may be accelerating its chip development cycle, potentially launching new "N" and "C" series chips annually.
- This alleged move could solidify a new trend of yearly chipset upgrades across Apple's product categories.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on leaks, rumors, and unverified sources. Details may change before official announcement. Do not make purchasing decisions based on leaked information.
Here's an interesting rumor for you. A new analyst report says the iPhone 18 Pro might be the first phone to get Apple's next "N2" chip. That's a big deal, because it could mean Apple's speeding up its entire chip plan.
About This Leak
Leak Source
- Leaker/Source: Analyst Jeff Pu (via Haitong International Securities)
- Track Record: Mixed accuracy; a known source for supply chain information who has had both hits and misses on Apple product details.
- Leak Type: Analyst research note / supply chain information.
- Surfaced On: Reported by 9to5Mac on February 13, 2026.
Reliability Assessment
We've only got one source for this, Jeff Pu. He's got contacts in the supply chain, but he's not always right. So take this as an early, unconfirmed rumor. It shows us a direction Apple might go, but it's far from a sure thing.
Rumored Chipset Specifications
So what did Jeff Pu say? According to his note, Apple is getting two new chips ready for this fall: the "N2" and the "C2." The N2 chip is supposedly for the iPhone 18 Pro models. If that's true, it's a direct follow-up to the "N1" chip we keep hearing about for the iPhone 17 Pro. The report doesn't give us speeds or specs, but a new name usually means better performance and battery life.
The Alleged New Pattern
Here's the real story in this leak. It's not just about one chip. Pu's report hints that Apple might start updating its "N" and "C" series chips every single year. You know how they do new A-series chips for iPhone and M-series chips for Mac every year? This would be the same idea, but for these other chips. If Apple does this, it shows they're serious about controlling all the silicon in their devices. It could mean faster improvements for features that need special hardware, like AI.
Expected Performance Improvements
We don't have the numbers, but we can guess what the N2 chip would do. The rumored N1 chip for the iPhone 17 Pro is supposed to handle a lot of on-device AI work, make the camera smarter, and help with power. The N2 would logically build on that. Think of it as version two. It could have a faster Neural Engine for AI tasks, manage power for new screen tech, and push photography even further. An annual update cycle would help Apple's Pro iPhones stay ahead in the AI race, which matters a lot these days.
Anticipated Launch Timeline
When would we see this? If the report is right and Apple sticks to its usual schedule, the iPhone 18 Pro with the N2 chip would launch in September 2026. Pu's note says the chips are being prepped for "this fall," which lines up perfectly with Apple's normal iPhone event. Just remember, we're talking about a phone that's over two years away. Plans can and do change.
Conflicting Reports
Not everyone is saying the same thing. Here's a look at where the rumors don't match up.
| Feature | Leak Version A (Jeff Pu) | Leak Version B (Prev. Rumors) | Our Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset Cycle | Annual updates for N/C series | N1 chip may last multiple years | Pu's claim is new and unverified. It goes against earlier talk of a slower cycle. |
| iPhone 18 Pro Chip | Next-gen "N2" chip | Possibly a refined "N1" chip | An "N2" chip in 2026 is possible, but it's too early to be confident. |
How It Compares to Its Predecessor
Based on the rumors flying around, here's how the two generations might stack up.
| Feature | iPhone 17 Pro (Rumored) | iPhone 18 Pro (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A18 Pro chip | A19 Pro chip (expected) |
| Specialized Chip | First-gen "N1" chip | Second-gen "N2" chip (per Jeff Pu) |
| Chip Update Trend | Introduction of new chip category | Potential shift to annual chip updates |
India Launch: What to Expect
If the iPhone 18 Pro gets a global release in September 2026, it'll come to India at the same time. You can expect to pre-order it within days of the announcement. We won't know the price for a long, long time, though.
Expected India Pricing
There are no leaks about India's price for a phone this far off. It'll probably cost a bit more than whatever the iPhone 17 Pro ends up being, following the usual pattern.
Expected Availability
- You'll find it at all major Apple Authorised Resellers and the online Apple Store.
- It should also be sold on big sites like Amazon and Flipkart.
- Don't expect an India-only model. It'll be the same phone sold everywhere else.
What We Still Do Not Know
- Official specifications: The report just names the chip. We don't know what it can actually do.
- Confirmation of the trend: Will Apple really update these chips every year? That's still just speculation.
- Non-Pro model inclusion: It's unclear if the regular iPhone 18 would get any version of an N-series chip.
- Feature differentiation: What new things would the N2 let you do that the N1 couldn't?
- Battery or camera impact: How would this chip change your day-to-day experience with battery life or photos?
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is this leak?
It comes from one analyst, Jeff Pu. He's been right sometimes and wrong others. So treat this as a rumor, not a fact. We need more sources to confirm it.
When is the iPhone 18 Pro officially announced?
If Apple keeps doing what it always does, look for an announcement in September 2026. But that's a lifetime away in tech years, so don't mark your calendar yet.
Should I wait for the iPhone 18 Pro?
Probably not. It's not coming until late 2026. If you need a phone now, this leak shouldn't change your mind. It's more about Apple's long-term strategy than your next purchase.
What is the "N2" chip for?
Based on what we've heard about the N1, these chips likely handle special jobs. Think advanced AI that works without the internet, processing for an always-on display, or making the camera's computational photography faster and better. It takes work off the main processor's plate.
The Bigger Picture
Let's connect the dots. If Jeff Pu is correct, it means Apple wants to update all its chips, even the specialized ones, on a yearly schedule. That could lead to faster improvements in AI and camera tech for the Pro iPhones.
But here's the thing. The iPhone 18 Pro is still a distant dream. Apple's plans could shift a dozen times before then. We'll keep watching for more leaks and rumors, and we'll update you when we know more. Stay tuned.
Sources
- Analyst Jeff Pu (via Haitong International Securities) research note reported by 9to5Mac.
- 9to5Mac article: "iPhone 18 Pro could get next-gen N2 chip, pushing an exciting trend" (February 13, 2026).