TSMC has prepared its enhanced 3nm node for multiple partners this year, a couple of whom are Apple’s competitors, but the semiconductor giant will receive the biggest revenue push from the latter, with a new report talking about a 50 percent boost in orders. This is likely because several SoCs from Apple this year will be mass produced on the cutting-edge manufacturing process.
More iPhone models this year will feature a 3nm chipset, with Apple reportedly aiming to launch the A18 and A18 Pro later this year
In addition to being mass produced on the next-generation ‘N3E’ process, Apple’s A18 series for the upcoming iPhone 16 family is also reported to sport a heavily improved Neural Engine that will translate into upgraded generative AI features. Earlier information stated that the new 3nm chipset will be available for all of Apple’s upcoming iPhone models, meaning that for the first time, we will see the A-series range mass produced on the same lithography.
An earlier benchmark also revealed that the A18 Pro is being tested out, and while its multi-core performance was disappointing, the leak signifies that there might be a regular A18 fabricated for the less expensive iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. In any case, these new chipset launches will only be possible if Apple places large quantities of 3nm shipments with TSMC and according to Economic Daily News, the Taiwanese firm is estimated to receive a 50 percent boost in orders.
With this move, Apple should become TSMC’s largest customer in 2024, and while the A18 and A18 Pro should contribute to a larger shipment percentage, the company’s M3 is also slated to arrive for various products, such as the new OLED iPad Pro models and a refreshed MacBook Air series. In Q3, 2023, TrendForce reports that TSMC’s 3nm manufacturing process accounted for just 6 percent of the company’s total revenue, and with an increase in orders, that share should climb up significantly.
The semiconductor giant is also said to ramp up its 3nm production to 100,000 monthly units by the end of 2024, suggesting that it intends to fulfill orders for other customers, not just Apple.
News Source: Economic Daily News
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
