Apple's M3, A17 Chips to Use TSMC's 2nd-Gen 3nm Process

Apple aims to be the first company to use an updated version of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s latest chipmaking technology next year, with plans to adopt it for some of its iPhones and Mac computers, sources briefed on the matter.

The A17 mobile processor currently under development will be mass-produced using TSMC's N3E chipmaking tech, expected to be available in the second half of next year. The A17 will be used in the premium entry in the iPhone lineup slated for release in 2023, source said.

According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Apple will use M3 and A17 chips in products next year. TSMC will reportedly begin manufacturing these chips next year using its 2nd-generation N3E 3nm process. The report claims that these new chips will be more powerful and energy efficient than the N3 3nm chips.

Apple could use TSMC's N3 3nm process for a few of its upcoming iPad models as well. The report does not mention the iPad model, which might be equipped with this chipset. The Cupertino company is reportedly gearing up to launch an iPad Pro model featuring chips manufactured using TSMC's 5nm process. This iPad Pro model is expected to enter mass production in 4Q22.

The Nikkei Asia report further suggests that Apple could feature the new A17 chips only on the iPhone Pro models that will arrive in 2023, similar to the iPhone 14 series that was launched in global markets last week.

To recall, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max were recently launched featuring a new A16 Bionic SoC. However, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are equipped with last year's A15 Bionic SoC.

An earlier report suggested that Apple could be using TSMC's 3nm process for the M2 Pro chip, which could be included in the company's new lineup of 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro laptops.

September 14, 2022