More than one new-generation processor that Apple has not yet introduced has emerged in the internal structure of iOS 18. According to information shared by AppleInsider, references to Apple Silicon chips named A19, M5 and C2 were found in an internal version of iOS 18 installed on the iPhone 16 prototype. The version in question is defined as a NonUI structure that has no user interface and is used for hardware tests.
Apple A19, M5 and C2 chips seen in iOS 18 codes!
The structure, which was first seen in an iPhone 16 prototype in the EVT phase in March 2025, only works with basic system applications. This version, identified with the build number 22A91871y, has been documented in a video that was both reflected on YouTube and published with English subtitles. The video includes detailed analyses of the content of the device and reveals many technical information, including chip names.
The hardware code names and CPID information in the codes clearly point to the new chipsets that Apple is working on. These chips include the basic A19 called “Tilos,” the A19 Pro (T8150) codenamed “Thera,” and the M5 chip (T8142) called “Hidra.”
An M5 Pro variant (T6050) codenamed “Sotra” is also on the list. Other notable references include the new Apple Watch chip “Bora” (T8320), a new A18-based Apple Watch chip, the “Proxima” Bluetooth-Wi-Fi combination chip developed by Apple, and the new generation C2 modem (C4020).
Although the code name “Hidra” was previously considered to be the top model of the M4 series, there are strong indications that this chip is actually the entry-level processor of the M5 series with the T8142 CPID. This situation is consistent when compared to the coding structure of Apple’s previous processors. The M4 chip was numbered T8132, M3 T8122 and M2 T8112.
In addition, the island names that Apple frequently uses in its code names continue here. Tilos and Thera are Greek islands, while Hidra and Sotra are Norwegian island names. Bora is again a geographical island name. This theme shows that Apple reflects the revisions in its chip design architectures in parallel with its code names.
Information about Apple’s new modem chip C2 has also been confirmed in the iOS 18 structure. This chip, which has the CPID C4020, is seen as the successor to the C1 modem (C4000), which is only found in the iPhone 16e model and does not support mmWave. Apple’s internal modem studies to reduce external dependency in wireless communication directly affect the company’s hardware strategy.
In addition, the previously rumored but not yet detailed Apple-signed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip codenamed “Proxima” is also confirmed for the first time in this structure. Proxima was first seen in prototypes from 2024 and is thought to have been developed instead of Broadcom.
Apple had been working on the C1 modem until 2023. Now, there are strong signs that it is moving towards a more independent infrastructure in connection technologies with Proxima. There is no reference to the previously rumored but allegedly canceled M4 Ultra processor in the structure.
AppleInsider reports that the T6042 CPID, thought to belong to the M4 Ultra, was briefly seen on TSS servers in 2023, but all traces of it were deleted as of 2024. It has been previously stated that Apple will not offer an Ultra model for every chip family. As in the case of the M4 Max, it is stated that some models do not include the UltraFusion connector.
Among Apple’s reasons for canceling the M4 Ultra, the new generation 2.5D SoIC packaging technology to be offered with the M5 series also stands out. It is reported that thanks to this technology, the CPU and GPU units are positioned separately and that production efficiency and thermal performance are increased.
Traces of the “Bongo” project, which Apple shelved in 2024, were also found in the structure. The haptic button project, which was tested on iPhone 16 prototypes, was later documented with an Apple patent. The existence of the driver files for the hardware in question was confirmed together with the “B1X” coding in the logic circuit of the iPhone 16 prototype.
The system tools used in the video also confirm Apple’s internal test platforms. HomeDiagnostic software, such as PurpleSniff and iOS Menu, which only work on in-house devices, support the reality of this prototype. While PurpleSniff shows the fuse structure of the device, iOS Menu provides SSH access. The existence of these tools reinforces the accuracy of the sources.
