Apple is set to become the first recipient of TSMC’s upcoming 2-nanometer process chips, according to a report from DigiTimes. The new chips are expected to be produced by TSMC starting in the second half of 2025.
TSMC’s shift to 2nm technology represents a significant advancement in chip architecture and design rules. This leap in technology will allow for smaller transistors, enabling more transistors to fit on the processor, ultimately resulting in enhanced speed and improved power consumption. Apple has already embraced 3-nanometer chips for its iPhones and Macs. The move from 5nm to 3nm technology brought notable improvements, including a 20 percent increase in GPU speed, 10 percent faster CPU speed, and a two-fold improvement in Neural Engine performance in the iPhone. Similar enhancements were seen in Mac devices.
As TSMC gears up for 2nm chip production, the company is making substantial investments in new facilities for this purpose, as well as advancing its technology with the use of GAAFET and nanosheets. This approach will make manufacturing more complex but ultimately enable faster operation and lower operating voltages.
Given Apple’s status as TSMC’s largest customer, the tech giant is often the first to adopt TSMC’s latest chips. In 2023, for instance, Apple secured exclusive access to all of TSMC’s 3-nanometer chips for its iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Looking ahead, TSMC is also planning to introduce several new 3nm processors before transitioning to 2nm technology. This includes chips such as the N3E and N3P, with other developments in progress, such as the N3X for high-end computers and the N3AE for automobiles.
Rumors suggest that TSMC is already working on advancements in 1.4-nanometer technology, anticipated to be available as early as 2027. Apple is reportedly interested in leveraging TSMC’s capabilities for both 1.4nm and 1nm processes in the future.
