Subsequent 12 months’s iPhone 17 sequence will function processors made utilizing TSMC’s 3-nanometer chip know-how, however just some iPhone 18 fashions in 2026 are anticipated to make use of the Taiwanese chipmaker’s next-generation 2nm processor know-how due to price issues, in accordance with Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
The phrases “3nm” and “2nm” describe generations of chip manufacturing know-how, every with its personal set of design guidelines and structure. As these numbers lower, they typically point out smaller transistor sizes. Smaller transistors enable extra to be packed onto a single chip, sometimes leading to elevated processing velocity and improved energy effectivity.
Final 12 months, Apple adopted 3-nanometer chips for its iPhones and Macs. Each the A17 Professional chip within the iPhone 15 Professional fashions and the M3 sequence chips in Macs are constructed on the 3-nanometer node, an improve over the prior 5nm node. This 12 months’s iPhone 16 sequence makes use of an A18 chip which is constructed utilizing a second-generation 3-nanometer course of, so it’s extra environment friendly and quicker than the A16 Bionic chip used within the iPhone 15 fashions.
TSMC plans to start out manufacturing 2nm chips in late 2025, and Apple is predicted to be the primary firm to obtain chips constructed on the brand new course of. TSMC is constructing two new amenities to accommodate 2nm chip manufacturing, and dealing on approval for a 3rd. TSMC typically builds new fabs when it wants to extend manufacturing capability to deal with vital orders for chips, and TSMC is increasing in a significant means for 2nm know-how.
TSMC is investing billions on this new chip know-how, whereas Apple should adapt its chip designs accordingly. As TSMC’s largest buyer, Apple often will get precedence entry to the newest chips. As an example, in 2023, Apple bought all of TSMC’s preliminary 3-nanometer chip manufacturing for its iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This partnership usually permits Apple to combine cutting-edge semiconductor know-how into its merchandise earlier than rivals.
In between the 3nm and 2nm nodes, TSMC will introduce a number of new 3nm enhancements. TSMC has already come out with N3E and N3P chips which might be enhanced 3nm processes, and there are different chips within the works equivalent to N3X for prime efficiency computing and N3AE for automotive functions.