In the first beta of tvOS 17, references were added to identifiers such as iPhone15,4, iPhone15,5, iPhone16,1, and iPhone16,2. These references persisted through several betas until they were removed in beta 5. This numbering sequence aligns with rumors that the next-generation iPhones would be powered by 3nm A17 and A16 chips.
The numbering 15,4 and 15,5 follows the pattern set by the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, known as iPhone15,2 and iPhone15,3. In Apple’s numbering scheme, “15” usually signifies devices utilizing the A16 chip, as demonstrated by the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, labeled as iPhone14,7 and iPhone14,8, which are equipped with the A15 chip.
Given the consistent pattern, it’s safe to conclude that iPhone 15 and 15 Plus will incorporate the A16 chip previously used in the 14 Pro and Pro Max, with 15,4 and 15,5 likely referencing these models. The identifiers 16,1 and 16,2 are anticipated to be the debut iPhones with the new A17 chip, most likely corresponding to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
4 unreleased iPhone models were added in tvOS 17 beta 1 but were not noticed until now. They were removed in tvOS 17 beta 5:
iPhone15,4
iPhone15,5
iPhone16,1
iPhone16,2 https://t.co/pL1OnAOQZX— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 9, 2023
Interestingly, code delver Aaron also uncovered references to iPhone14,1 and iPhone14,9, devices that would host an A15 chip. The meaning of these references is unclear, and it remains to be seen if they correspond to future devices or hold other significance.
These discoveries in the tvOS 17 code are in line with previous rumors surrounding the implementation of A16 and A17 chips in the standard iPhone 15 and Pro models, respectively. The findings corroborate expectations but don’t come as a big surprise.
As the unveiling of the new iPhone models is expected in about a month’s time, rumored to be September 12, these insights add excitement to the anticipation of Apple’s latest offerings.