Apple A19, C2, M5 chip identifiers all leaked in early iOS 18 code
Several unreleased Apple Silicon chips recently surfaced in an internal build of iOS 18, including A19, M5, and C2, according to exclusive information provided to AppleInsider.
An early build of iOS 18 revealed Apple's next-gen chip identifiers. Image Credit: Aaron (researcher) / YouTube printscreen
On July 3, AppleInsider exclusively shared a list of device identifiers that correspond to more than a dozen unreleased Mac configurations, many of which are set to feature variants of Apple's soon-to-be-announced M5 chip. Following our report, we were made aware of an internal build of iOS 18 with references to multiple unannounced Apple Silicon chips for a variety of hardware platforms.
The operating system, which bears the build number 22A91871y, is a NonUI variant of iOS 18. As such, it lacks the standard consumer-oriented iOS user interface, instead featuring only rudimentary applications designed primarily for hardware testing.
This makes sense, as the build was discovered on an EVT-stage prototype of the iPhone 16 in March 2025, though the device is a year older.
The internal-use build of iOS 18 was first documented in a Bilibili video, which is now available on YouTube with English subtitles. The narrator details exactly what they want to do with the prototype iPhone 16.
The video itself explains how the unit's operating system contains codenames and identifiers that correspond to several unreleased Apple Silicon chips, including M-series SoCs, a next-generation Apple modem, an Apple Watch chip, and more.
Most notably, the NonUI build of iOS 18 references the following hardware codenames and CPIDs:
- Tilos -- which likely corresponds to the base A19 chip
- Thera -- A19 Pro (CPID: T8150)
- Hidra -- possibly the standard M5 chip (CPID: T8142)
- Sotra -- M5 Pro (CPID: T6050)
- Bora -- A next-gen Apple Watch chip, based on the A18 (CPID: T8320)
- Proxima -- An Apple Bluetooth-WiFi combo chip
- C4020 -- Apple's C2 modem
Why 'Hidra' may actually be the base M5 chip
Previous reports, some of which contained little useful information, have mentioned these codenames. In May 2025, for instance, "Sotra" was described as an advanced Mac-related system-on-chip, though no further details about the project were provided at the time.
"Hidra," meanwhile, was previously described as a top-of-the-line variant of the M4 chip, though it has not appeared in any Apple product thus far.
The base M5 chip is expected to debut with the J813 and J815 MacBook Air models.
In the internal build of iOS 18, the codename "Hidra" appears alongside the identifier T8142, suggesting that this is more likely Apple's base M5 chip. For reference, the current base M4 chip bears the identifier T8132, while the M3 is known as the T8122, and the M2 was referred to as the T8112.
The codenames themselves are also consistent with Apple's existing naming scheme, where the company uses toponyms as names for in-development Apple Silicon chips.
In this regard, Thera and Tilos are both Greek islands, and they're both part of the A19 line of chips. Hidra and Sotra, meanwhile, are Norwegian islands. Bora is also in line with the apparent geographical theme, indicating we could see significant architecture changes with the future Apple Watch chip.
As for the C4020, this is most likely the successor to the C1 modem, internally known as the C4000. The current C1 modem is only available on the iPhone 16e. It offers better power efficiency, but lacks mmWave.
Apple is widely believed to be working on a second-generation Apple modem, with company executive Johny Srouji even calling the C1 "a platform for generations."
The previously rumored Proxima chip, meanwhile, appears to be a more recent development. While the C1 was in development as far back as 2023, which AppleInsider has independently verified through people familiar with the matter, the Proxima reference has so far only been seen on prototypes from 2024.
The fact that it's a Bluetooth and Wi-Fi chip aligns with Apple's apparent plans to reduce its reliance on Broadcom components.
The M4 Ultra chip, and Project Bongo
As for the long-rumored M4 Ultra chip, there are no references to it in the operating system code, suggesting that Apple had already abandoned the project by March 2024. Apple's chip identifiers are sometimes found up to three years before the new SoC actually launches.
References to the M3 Ultra, for instance, were found on an iPhone 15 Pro Max prototype from 2023, but nothing similar happened with the rumored M4 Ultra.
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AppleInsider exclusively revealed the Bongo project on prototype Apple hardware.
We were also told that a CPID believed to be the M4 Ultra, T6042, was briefly spotted on Apple TSS servers in 2023, but that it had completely vanished by 2024, reinforcing the notion that the project was canceled. Apple has since explained that not every Apple Silicon chip will get an "Ultra" variant, as the M4 Max, for instance, does not have an UltraFusion connector.
As for why Apple may have abandoned its plans for an M4 Ultra, the decision could also be related to the advanced SoIC packaging technology that's expected to debut with the M5 range of chips. One report says the M5 Pro and M5 Max "will use 2.5D packaging" that has "separate CPU and GPU designs," and which will "improve production yields and thermal performance."
The software does contain a reference to the scrapped Bongo project, however. In 2024, AppleInsider exclusively proved that Apple had created fully functional prototypes of its haptic button project, and we also explained that the company tested it on the iPhone 16 range.
The design later appeared in an Apple patent, so it's ultimately not much of a surprise that drivers for the hardware were found on the iPhone 16 prototype.
The credibility of the source
The video makes it readily apparent that the user is interacting with Apple software and hardware not intended for the end-consumer, as there are unmistakable signs.
The video in question features Apple's internal-use software. Image Credit: Aaron (researcher) / YouTube printscreen
Tools such as PurpleSniff and iOS Menu are featured in the video. Both utilities are part of Apple's HomeDiagnostic package, which is necessary to interact with pre-release and internal-use devices, in most cases.
PurpleSniff, for instance, displays key device information, such as fusing, while iOS Menu lets users SSH into a prototype iPhone or iPad, among other things. This, understandably, adds to the author's credibility.
The logic board of the iPhone 16 prototype also bears the marking "B1X," which is consistent with genuine internal-use and pre-production units belonging to the iPhone 16 range. The presence of Bongo-related files is also to be expected.
More importantly, however, AppleInsider was provided with a means of independent verification. The researcher who contacted us also shared detailed information about their discoveries, along with reasonable arguments about the various claims they've made.
Time will tell exactly when we'll see Apple's C2 modem, but the M5 and A19 lines of chips are both expected to debut within a matter of months. This video serves as an additional indication of what we can expect from the iPhone maker soon, and it mostly aligns with existing rumors.
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Comments
The thought that the M5 might have two parts is intriguing as that could mean the MacPro tower could possibly support external I/O cards in the tower.
With the White House meandering Tarrif policy (we the users pay the tariff, something not comprehended by the current occupant of that structure), we will probably see significant price increases this fall and going forward. The Golden Goose may be in Jeopardy.