Apple chipmaking partner Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) on Thursday kicked off mass production of next-generation 3-nanometer chips for use in upcoming Apple products. (Via Bloomberg)
TSMC is producing the chips at its southern Taiwan facility. The 3-nanometer chips will offer improved performance over the current 5-nanometer chips but with 35 percent less power use.
“The semiconductor industry will grow rapidly over the next decade, and Taiwan will surely play an even more critical role in the global economy,” Liu said. He added that demand for the 3nm chips is “very strong.”
Apple is expected to begin adopting 3nm processors in 2023. Multiple rumors have suggested the A17, which will power the upcoming iPhone 15 Pro, will use 3nm technology.
TSMC’s rollout of the high-performance 3nm chips follows the company’s announcement that it will offer 4nm chips at its new Arizona plant starting in 2024 and 3nm chips at a second US plant in 2026.