The third quarter of TSMC’s 2025 revenue period saw the company’s 3nm process account for 23 percent of the total, surpassing the 5nm node’s ceiling, with this technology cementing its position as the semiconductor giant’s ‘workhorse.’ Despite the manufacturer’s 2nm process picking up immense steam with two of its local plants sold out for 2026, a report says that 3nm has entered the golden period of mass production.
The primary driver of TSMC’s 3nm production boost is NVIDIA, not Apple, with the report stating that the world’s largest GPU maker is adding 35,000 wafers per month to the tally
The figures from Commercial Times mention that TSMC’s 3nm technology’s production has increased from 100,000 wafers at the end of last year to between 100,000 and 110,000 units. That number is projected to climb further, with estimates reaching 160,000 monthly units by the end of 2025. Looking at TSMC’s meteoric rise, one might assume that Apple was the primary contributor to the manufacturer’s success. However, the report mentions that NVIDIA has become the biggest driver, adding 35,000 wafers per month.
TSMC was previously said to enjoy a massive influx of 3nm chip orders thanks to Apple and its increased iPhone 17 shipments, with the latter accounting for 24 percent of the entire revenue in 2024. NVIDIA could easily take that throne as the world’s largest GPU maker’s next-generation Vera Rubin and Rubin Ultra will reportedly utilize the 3nm ‘N3P’ architecture, becoming the primary driver of high-performance computing (HPC) for the next two years.
Analysts estimate that TSMC’s 3nm process could reach a 30 percent market share or more next year, but Apple has four 2nm chipsets in development for next year. Seeing as how the Cupertino firm has allegedly secured more than half of TSMC’s initial capacity for its SoCs, there is a chance that it maintains its top position as the biggest contributor to its supply chain partner’s revenue in 2026.
News Source: Commercial Times
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