A well-known Apple leaker is doubling down on claims that the iPhone 17 Air will ship with an A19 Pro chip featuring a 5-core GPU, rather than the full 6-core configuration expected in the iPhone 17 Pro models.
The A19 Pro Chip in iPhone 17 Air Will Use One Less GPU Core Compared to iPhone 17 Pro With 6-Core GPU
The update comes from Fixed Focus Digital, a popular Weibo account with over two million followers, who first made this claim two months ago. In the latest reiteration, the leaker again emphasizes that the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will have a slightly reduced GPU setup. This is likely the result of binned chips or thermal constraints tied to its slimmer design.
Suggested: iPhone 17 Air Preview: Rumored Features, Specs, Price & Release Details
Why the Difference Matters (or Doesn’t)
While the reduced core count could mean marginally lower graphics performance, most users will be unlikely to notice the change in daily use. However, power users running graphics-intensive apps or games may see small but measurable differences compared to the Pro lineup.
Conflicting Predictions From Analysts
This claim remains at odds with Ming-Chi Kuo’s earlier forecast that the iPhone 17 Air would use a standard A19 chip. It also conflicts with supply chain analyst Jeff Pu’s earlier A18 prediction, which he has since reversed. Pu now agrees both the iPhone 17 Air and standard iPhone 17 will run on the A19 series.
Not the Leaker’s First Rodeo
Fixed Focus Digital has a mixed but notable track record in Apple leaks, including correctly revealing the iPhone 16e name for the upcoming iPhone SE successor. The fact they’re reaffirming the same GPU claim months later could signal higher confidence in the information.
When to Expect Confirmation
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup, including the Air, standard, and Pro models, on Tuesday, September 9. That’s when we’ll know whether the A19 Pro split-core GPU rumor holds true.
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