In recent developments, a code discovered in Apple's backend has shed light on the tech giant's plans to release four iPhone 16 models this year. In addition, it has been revealed that all four devices will be equipped with the same A-series chip, as confirmed by information shared with MacRumors.

The code includes new model numbers that have not been associated with existing iPhones, suggesting that Apple is following its numbering scheme for flagship devices. Furthermore, internal identifiers found in the code demonstrate that all five mentioned iPhone models will start with the same number, indicating their shared use of the same chip.

The prior iPhone 15 models featured different chips, as reflected through their separate internal identifiers. For instance, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus had identifiers that ended with ",4" and ",5" respectively. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, which featured the A17 Pro chip, had identifiers ending with ",1" and ",2" respectively.

Apple has traditionally linked identifiers with specific chips in their iPhones. Past devices boasting the A16 chip all had identifiers starting with 15, while those containing the A15 chip featured identifiers starting with 14. This pattern extends to the A14 chip, which corresponds to identifiers beginning with 13, and the A13 chip with identifiers beginning with 12.

Considering Apple's tendency to adhere to this identifier numbering scheme, it is likely that the four upcoming iPhone 16 models will indeed feature the same chip. This aligns with previous rumors and leaks suggesting that the devices will share a chip. Moreover, an earlier code leak in March also corroborated the existence of shared identifiers.

It is worth noting that out of the five model numbers identified, only four are expected to be associated with the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup. The fifth model number could potentially be assigned to a future iPhone SE, although its exact nature remains unknown for now.

While all four iPhone 16 models are expected to utilize a new A18 chip, Apple may still differentiate between the standard models and the Pro models. They could potentially employ chips with a smaller number of GPU cores for the iPhone 16 models while reserving chips with superior GPU performance for the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

This allocation seems logical considering the Apple Intelligence features set to be introduced in iOS 18. These AI-powered capabilities will require a high-powered chip to run on-device. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max support Apple Intelligence. Therefore, it is likely that Apple aims to equip all future devices with the necessary power for machine learning and artificial intelligence tasks.

As Apple's plans for the highly anticipated iPhone 16 lineup gradually come to light through code discoveries and leaks, tech enthusiasts eagerly await further details regarding the specific features and capabilities of these forthcoming devices.