As anticipation builds for Apple's September unveiling, new leaks suggest the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, slotted to replace the 'Plus' model, will sport the powerful A19 Pro chipset, albeit with a twist. It’s likely to feature a 5-core GPU, one fewer than the full 6-core configuration used in Pro variants. The slimmer GPU setup is thought to be a response to space and thermal constraints, or could result from 'binning' yields from chip production.
Tipster Fixed Focus Digital shared this information of Weibo. While the A19 Pro with one GPU core missing may marginally reduce graphical horsepower, most everyday users are unlikely to notice the difference. The modifications may help maintain device stability and conserve battery in the ultra-thin design.
Furthermore, utilising slightly defective chips (binned versions) rather than discarding them is common practice, offering cost efficiencies without substantially compromising performance.
This rumor contradicts earlier predictions by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who expected the iPhone 17 Air to use the standard A19, not the Pro version. Apple is expected to launch the full iPhone 17 lineup—including the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, on September 9, with pre-orders starting September 12 and deliveries from September 19.
