iPhone 17 Pro e Pro Max, plus Air: Just How Powerful Is the A19 Pro? Early Benchmarks Revealed

Apple has officially introduced the new iPhone 17 lineup, and much of the spotlight falls on the A19 Pro chip powering the Pro, Pro Max, and the brand-new iPhone Air. Early benchmarks provide a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of performance, with notable gains especially in graphics

CPU: Solid, if incremental gains

According to Geekbench 6 results, the A19 Pro scores around 3,895 in single-core and 9,746 in multi-core tests. This represents a 13–15% improvement over the A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro. While not a dramatic leap, it’s a steady step forward in efficiency and raw computing power.

GPU: The real generational jump

Graphics performance shows the most significant progress. With a 6-core GPU (5-core in the iPhone Air), Metal benchmarks indicate up to a 40% boost compared to last year’s chip. This translates into higher frame rates in gaming, faster rendering in creative apps, and smoother AR experiences.

Model differences

• iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Both feature the full 6-core GPU version along with a new vapor chamber cooling system, designed to sustain peak performance under heavy workloads.

• iPhone Air: Thinner and lighter, it uses the 5-core GPU configuration. While not as powerful as the Pro models, it still offers roughly a 15% graphics uplift over the A18 Pro, making it an attractive option for users who value portability.

Real-world impact

The combination of modest CPU gains and substantial GPU improvements positions the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max as ideal devices for power users, gamers, and professionals. The Air, meanwhile, strikes a balance between design and performance, ensuring that slim form factor doesn’t mean compromising on capability.

What comes next

Comprehensive reviews will follow in the coming days, testing not just performance but also thermal management and battery life. For now, early data suggests Apple’s focus is clear: delivering a major graphics leap while maintaining steady CPU progress — a strategy aligned with the growing demand for mobile gaming and AI-driven apps.