Many people think that Apple’s first device equipped with a 3nm process chip will be launched next year, but unfortunately, it will not happen. As TSMC will not be able to achieve mass production targets next year, Apple will only be able to use 4nm process chips in 2022.
Based on the M1 chip, Apple’s new 3nm chip will bring a great increase in speed and power. Unfortunately, according to a report by Seeking Alpha, TSMC is confirming the production delay of its 3-nanometer chip (also known as N3). This means that the mass production of the A16 bionic technology that is expected to be used in the iPhone 14 series in 2022 has been postponed, and Apple will have to use the previous generation of nodes instead.
According to reports, Apple has received orders for 4-nanometer chips from TSMC and is expected to start production in the fourth quarter of 2021. It is said that the iPhone manufacturer has also booked the initial 3nm order from the Taiwanese manufacturer, which means it will gain a head start in the competition. According to reports, TSMC will mass-produce 3 million chips in the second half of next year, and these chips may be used in the iPhone 14 series.
Given that the iPhone is Apple’s biggest money-making tool, this product line will be given priority. Like TSMC, Samsung is also facing production problems in its 3nm GAA process, so people think that TSMC will have a considerable lead in the competition with Samsung. However, as you can see, things will never be so simple. If TSMC cannot find a way to improve productivity and increase production, A16 Bionic and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 898 Plus may be manufactured on the same 4-nanometer technology.
