Apple is setting the stage for a significant leap in its chip technology with plans to transition to TSMC’s advanced 2nm process. Currently, the tech giant is utilizing the second-generation 3nm process for its A18 and A18 Pro chipsets. TSMC, the Taiwanese semiconductor leader, is gearing up for this next wave in chip manufacturing by preparing two new plants, named P1 and P2.
These plants are being constructed with the aim of rolling out the necessary equipment soon. Reports suggest that Apple will be the pioneering customer for TSMC’s 2nm technology. Once operational, P1 and P2 are projected to jointly produce around 40,000 wafers per month.
However, speculation that the iPhone 17 will sport 2nm A-series chips appears premature. Despite ongoing developments, TSMC’s current timeline doesn’t align with this prediction. The first 2nm production plant, situated in Kaohsiung, plans to commence equipment installation by December this year, but actual trial production isn’t anticipated until at least the second quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the second plant, P2, is expected to complete its equipment setup by the latter half of next year.
Once these facilities are fully functional, their collective output is expected to increase gradually, much like the expansion witnessed with the 3nm process. However, given TSMC’s present scheduling, the iPhone 17 will most likely not feature these 2nm chipsets, despite earlier claims to the contrary.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that the iPhone 17 will likely incorporate Apple chipsets produced on TSMC’s refined 3nm ‘N3P’ process. He also anticipates that the iPhone 18 lineup will be the first to boast the 2nm technology. Even then, due to the high costs associated with this cutting-edge lithography, it’s plausible that only the ‘Pro’ versions will initially benefit from the 2nm chips.
It’s no surprise that Apple will be TSMC’s first 2nm customer, given that the company also pioneered the use of TSMC’s first 3nm iteration, known as ‘N3B’, for the A17 Pro and M3 series chips.
By maintaining a close relationship with TSMC and continuously adopting the latest in chip manufacturing technology, Apple ensures that its products remain at the forefront of innovation and performance.
