September 18, 2024 – According to a report by Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, Apple’s iPhone 16 series, powered by TSMC’s 3nm process technology, is currently enjoying strong sales. Rumors in the industry suggest that Apple has already secured the first batch of production capacity for TSMC’s 2nm process and the subsequent A16 chip, with the 2nm capacity expected to be fully integrated into the iPhone 17 Pro as early as next year.
While TSMC has always maintained a policy of not commenting on specific customers or market rumors, Apple has also remained silent on the matter.
The Taiwanese media outlet reported that Apple will utilize TSMC’s 2nm process technology for the chips in its iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max models. Meanwhile, the rumored iPhone 17 Air, an ultra-thin variant, may continue to use the 3nm process.
Industry insiders have pointed out that following the comprehensive upgrade of the iPhone 16 chips to TSMC’s 3nm process technology, Apple has been planning to adopt more advanced processes to enhance AI functionality. Positive feedback from other non-Apple customers, such as Intel’s decision to use TSMC’s 2nm process for its Nova Lake platform and queue up until 2026, has also contributed to the unexpected demand for TSMC’s 2nm technology even before it enters mass production.
According to industry estimates, TSMC’s 2nm production capacity will include multiple phases of development at its fabs in Baoshan, Hsinchu, and Kaohsiung. If the plans come to fruition, it could potentially boost the production capacity of the 2nm family to at least eight fabs.
Publicly available information indicates that TSMC is steadily progressing towards its goal of mass-producing 2nm chips by 2025. The first 2nm fab in Baoshan has already started equipment installation in April 2024, and the second fab is maintaining its schedule. The company also plans to expand its 2nm production to its fab in Kaohsiung, with equipment expected to arrive as early as the third quarter of 2025. If the Southern Taiwan Science Park also joins the production effort, outside estimates suggest that mass production could potentially ramp up from the end of 2025 to 2026.
