A19 Pro GPU leaps ahead in Geekbench 6, nearly matching M2-level graphics performance
Apple’s A19 Pro is shaping up to be a major leap for mobile graphics. In the latest Geekbench 6 Metal results, the 6-core GPU posts a score of 45,657—about 40 percent higher than the A18 Pro’s 32,673. That puts the iPhone 17 Pro’s graphics performance right next to the M2, which scored 45,862 in the same benchmark, signaling notebook-class horsepower in a phone.
Key benchmark takeaways:
– Geekbench 6 Metal (GPU): A19 Pro – 45,657; A18 Pro – 32,673; M2 – 45,862
– CPU: Single-core and multi-core gains are more modest, with an emphasis on power efficiency
– Single-threaded CPU performance reportedly surpasses the M4
This generation appears to prioritize GPU gains and sustained performance. With a vapor chamber now included in both iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max and an aluminum chassis helping dissipate heat, users should see steadier frame rates and fewer throttling dips during graphically intensive workloads like AAA mobile games and pro-grade creative apps.
The strategy makes sense. Apple’s A-series CPUs already handle most tasks with ease, so pushing the GPU further unlocks more headroom for gaming, advanced rendering, and on-device graphics workflows. The measured CPU uplift also suggests Apple is tuning for efficiency, likely due to the evolutionary nature of current manufacturing nodes. TSMC’s second- and third-generation 3nm processes offer limited step-ups, which may cap raw CPU scaling in this cycle.
The bigger jump could come next year. As Apple is expected to move to a 2nm process for the A20 and A20 Pro, the shift should deliver more substantial performance and efficiency gains across the board. For now, the A19 Pro’s balance of near-M2 graphics power, improved thermals, and efficient CPU design positions the iPhone 17 Pro lineup as a compelling choice for gamers, creators, and anyone who wants top-tier mobile performance without compromising battery life.
Source: Geekbench 6
