Allegedly sourced from a LinkedIn profile of an Apple employee, reports circulating on social media suggest that Apple is already in the works of designing chips utilizing TSMC's cutting-edge 2-nanometer fabrication process. The information was disseminated through a partially redacted slide shared by a Twitter leaker, shedding light on the employee's involvement in various Apple projects, including work related to TSMC's 2-nanometer process.
This advancement in chip fabrication technology holds promise for significant performance boosts and energy efficiency gains, thanks to the reduction in transistor sizes. Such advancements enable faster processing speeds and reduced power consumption, marking a significant leap forward in semiconductor technology.
Looking ahead, rumors indicate that TSMC is already eyeing the development of even more advanced 1.4-nanometer chips, slated for potential release as early as 2027. In anticipation, Apple is reportedly vying to secure TSMC's initial manufacturing capabilities for both 1.4-nanometer and 1-nanometer technologies, underscoring the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of chip innovation.
The transition to 3-nanometer chips last year marked a significant milestone for Apple, with notable improvements in GPU and CPU speeds, along with enhancements to the Neural Engine's processing capabilities. This evolution paved the way for a new era of performance and efficiency in Apple's lineup of devices, including iPhones and Macs.
With the impending production of chips using TSMC's 2-nanometer process slated for the latter half of 2025, Apple is poised to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. Dubbed "N2," this fabrication process is expected to deliver substantial speed enhancements and power efficiency gains compared to its predecessor, further cementing Apple's position as a leader in the semiconductor industry.
TSMC's ongoing expansion efforts to accommodate the demand for 2-nanometer chips underscore the industry's relentless pursuit of innovation. As TSMC's primary client, Apple is well-positioned to capitalize on these advancements, as evidenced by its acquisition of all 3-nanometer chips in 2023 for a range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
