According to a new report today from Nikkei Asia Apple will launch an iPad in 2022 powered by a processor based on TSMC’s next-generation 3-nanometer process.
Apple and Intel are testing their chip designs with TSMC’s 3-nanometer production technology, according to several sources briefed on the matter, with commercial output of such chips expected to start in the second half of next year.
Apple’s iPad will likely be the first devices powered by processors made using 3-nm technology, sources said. The next generation of iPhones, which are to roll out next year, are expected to make use of the intermediate 4-nm tech for scheduling reasons.
TSMC claims that 3nm technology can increase processing performance by 10% to 15% compared to 5nm technology while reducing power consumption by 25% to 30%.
The report doesn’t indicate whether the next-gen 3nm chip technology will debut in an iPad Air or an iPad Pro. However, since Apple usually updates the iPad Pro every 12 to 18 months or so, which means we could see a new model appear in the second half of 2022.