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Apple currently leverages TSMC’s 3nm process for some of its chipsets, and the company may stick with this manufacturing process for several generations of iPhones. According to the latest reports, the iPhone 17 will not be the first lineup to feature A-series SoCs manufactured on the ultra-advanced 2nm node. This means that his A19 Pro, expected in 2025, will retain his 3nm lithography, but as we’ll soon see, it’s not the same technology.
Apple is expected to use TSMC’s 3nm “N3P” process for the A19 Pro, which will likely be featured in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
TSMC is reportedly focused on increasing its 3nm wafer production to 100,000 by the end of 2024, but TrendForce says the Taiwanese giant also wants to expand its 2nm process prospects. ing. As such, the 2nm factory in Baoshan, Hsinchu is making steady progress as expected, and another facility in Kaohsiung is also said to be gaining momentum. The first tool-in is expected by the end of the year, and initial production capacity for both factories is said to be between 30,000 and 35,000 wafers.
The report states that total wafer production capacity could reach 100,000 wafers by 2027. As for who will be the first customer to get TSMC’s first batch of 2nm chips, it will likely be Apple. In June 2023, we reported that prototyping of cutting-edge nodes had already begun. However, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are said to be exclusively shipped with the A18 Pro, Apple’s first 3nm SoC to be mass-produced on TSMC’s second-generation “N3E” process, so Cupertino companies don’t intend to take advantage of this technology this quickly.
However, even next year when the iPhone 17 launches, the A19 Pro powering its internals is likely to stick with a more advanced version of TSMC’s 3nm technology called “N3P.” When Apple unveils its iPhone 18 family in 2026, the company’s first 2nm silicon may be introduced, but its realization depends on various factors.
“In the 2nm client space, Apple remains the front runner, assigning this technology to its flagship smartphones. Intel has also expressed interest, and AMD, NVIDIA, and MediaTek are also expected to follow.
Looking at the process roadmap, this year’s iPhone 16 will use N3E, and next year’s model will use N3P. Therefore, the first consumer products leveraging TSMC’s 2nm process are expected to be launched in 2026. ”
Apple was previously reported to be launching its first 2nm SoC by as early as 2026, but again, it’s too early to comment on the company’s future plans. As mentioned above, several reasons could hinder the progress of his 2nm chipset and force him to stick with the older generation of his 3nm technology. For now, take this information with a grain of salt. We will also contact you with the latest information.
News source: Trendforce
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