Per industry sources, Apple has ordered TSMC’s initial production of chips built via a 3-nanometer process for both its iOS and Apple Silicon devices.
Previous reports had indicated that TSMC was close to finalizing its new 3-nanometer process, a new report says that Apple has placed an order for its M-series and A-series processors using it.
The sources indicated that trials are progressing smoothly, and TSMC’s 3nm line is on course to produce 600,000 processors per year, or 50,000 per month. Mass production is said to begin in 2022. These numbers, in turn, are expected to increase, as it’s estimated that TSMC must sell at least 300 million processors to run a profit.
It’s unknown how many units Apple has ordered, or over what time frame. Still, the sources have indicated that the order is chiefly for producing the M-series processors for the Mac.
It’s also rumored that the 3nm process will be used to make processors for iPads and MacBook devices. TSMC’s new process is thought to be the main supply source for future A-series processors for the iPhone, and previous rumors have indicated that the 3nm process will be used to make the “A16” chip in 2022.
Previously, TSMC has claimed that its 3nm process will provide a performance increase of between 10 percent and 15 percent over even its recent 5nm process. It’s also said that 3nm chips will offer between 20 percent and 25 percent increased energy savings.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and Money.UDN