[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] There is speculation that Apple's next budget smartphone, the iPhone 18e, could feature a 2-nanometer process-based A20 chip.

On Oct. 27 (local time), IT outlet Engadget reported that Digital Chat Station, a leaker active on Weibo, mentioned the A20 chip as a next specification for the iPhone 18e.

The key point is the chip change for the budget model. The iPhone 17e includes a 3-nanometer A19 chip. If the iPhone 18e moves to a 2-nanometer A20, Apple could adjust performance gaps even within its budget lineup. The chip discussed this time was reported to be an A20 series that has so far appeared only in Pro models. Digital Chat Station expected the next model to use the A20 chip. Engadget noted that a noticeable performance boost could be possible even if it is not at the Pro level.

Some camera specifications have also been fleshed out. The rear is expected to keep a single 48-megapixel camera. The front camera is expected to be upgraded to 24 megapixels. Given the nature of a budget model, this suggests Apple may continue to tune performance of key components rather than increase the number of sensors.

The display is not expected to change much. According to leaked information, the iPhone 18e is expected to keep a 6.12-inch OLED panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate. This is similar to the iPhone 17e. It is possible that Apple will focus on performance and some camera improvements in its budget lineup while keeping the display specifications at the current level. Other panel-related information beyond refresh rate and size has not been confirmed.

The price has not yet been mentioned. Component cost pressures remain a variable. Apple was not able to avoid the impact of RAM shortages and rising prices, and it has previously raised prices for a large part of its product lineup in June and September. In this situation, how a new chip reflecting a process shift will affect the price of a budget model is a point of interest.

The launch timing is most likely to be in the spring of next year. The iPhone 18e has been raised as possibly being unveiled alongside the base iPhone 18 and the second-generation iPhone Air. How Apple aligns lineup reshuffling and pricing strategy in its spring hardware announcement is expected to be the next point to watch.