Apple recently introduced new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with an M3 chip. The latest chip is based on TSMC's 3nm architecture, delivering enhanced computational and graphical performance. The new chip is quite a powerhouse compared to the M2 chip. TSMC shows its work on the future of its chip manufacturing technology, which will pave the way for Apple to dominate the industry. TSMC mentioned its new chip based on 1.4nm fabrication named 'A14', which will see daylight years after the 2nm chip is announced.
TSMC's 1.4nm chip is named A14, which could see daylight later in 2027
Spotted by MacRumors, TSMC shared information on its forthcoming chips in a slide that mentions the 1.4nm chip as 'A14' (via Dylan Patel). The name is confusing as A14 refers to Apple's 5nm chip in the iPhone 12. However, the chip will not see daylight for years since the company is yet to announce its 2nm chip in 2025. This year, Apple debuted the A17 Pro chip, the company's first 3nm chip manufactured by TSMC.
Apple is working with TSMC to develop chips for its future devices. The company's A19 or the M5 chip will potentially be the first device to get the 2nm chips from TSMC. While the 1.4nm chip will be a brand-new addition to the lineup, it will follow the "N2" 2nm chips. N2 chips will begin mass production of N2 chips later in 2025, with an enhanced N2P node expected to arrive in 2026.
This gives us an estimated timeframe that the 1.4nm or A14 chips will not launch before 2027. If this is the case, Apple will be TSMC's most valuable client, and we can see the new chips in the company's iPhone 19 Pro (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme). The iPhone 15 Pro was the first device to bolster the new 3nm chip, and competitors are yet to follow.
Geoffrey Yeap of TSMC talking
N2 mass production 2025
A14 in development (first time they've said the name??)
Talking about backside power delivery network
PPACt - Power, Performance, Area, Cost, Time to market pic.twitter.com/7ngKVRSSfK— Dylan Patel (@dylan522p) December 13, 2023
In comparison, the original M1 series of chips are based on TSMC's N5 node. Furthermore, the M2 and M3 chips use the N5P and N3B nodes based on their yield. The latest S-series of chips for the Apple Watch is based on the N7P process, while the latest S9 chip uses the N4P node. Note that TSMC's 1.4nm chip is only under development at this stage, requiring much work before release. However, it is still peculiar why the company named its 1.4nm chip after Apple's A14 chip.
Note that the release time frames for the new chips are speculations at this stage as the final word rests with Apple. We will update you on the latest, so stick around for more details.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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