TSMC Developing Advanced “N2P” Process for Future iPhone Chips, Potentially Debuting in 2027
Apple is gearing up to introduce the first iPhone featuring a processor constructed on a cutting-edge 2nm process in 2025, as per reports. It’s anticipated that the Cupertino-based company will unveil the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, equipped with the next generation chipset developed by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC). The predecessor to this upcoming technology, the iPhone 15 Pro models, marked Apple’s transition to the 3nm A17 Pro chip, whereas the standard iPhone variants retained the 4nm A16 Bionic chipset, previously utilized in the Pro models launched in 2022.
According to insights gleaned from a DigiTimes report (via Apple Insider), which draws from supply chain sources, TSMC is in the process of readying a novel chip fabricated on its advanced 2nm process for the iPhone 17 Pro models expected to debut in the latter half of 2024. While Apple is also anticipated to introduce Mac models featuring 2nm chips in the future, specifics regarding the timeline for these processors remain undisclosed at present.
With TSMC’s progress in the production of 2nm chips leveraging its “N2” process technology, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are poised to lead the pack as the first smartphones equipped with these cutting-edge chips. Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 17 models may adopt a previous generation chipset, a pattern Apple has adhered to since the introduction of the iPhone 14, which shared the same chip as the iPhone 13 Pro.
Apple is planning to launch the first iPhone equipped with a processor built on a 2nm process in 2025, according to a report. The Cupertino company will reportedly launch the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with a next generation chipset from TSMC. The iPhone 15 Pro models were the first phones from Apple to be equipped with a 3nm A17 Pro chip, while the standard iPhone models still run on the 4nm A16 Bionic chipset that previously powered the Pro models launched in 2022.
According to a DigiTimes report (via Apple Insider) citing supply chain sources, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is preparing a new chip manufactured on its 2nm process for the iPhone 17 Pro models that are expected to launch in the second half of 2024. Apple is also expected to introduce Mac models with 2nm chips in the future, but the report does not specify a timeline for these processors.
With TSMC on track to produce the 2nm chips that will be built on its “N2” process technology, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are likely to be the first smartphones to feature the next generation chips, while the standard iPhone 17 models could be equipped with a previous generation chipset, a process Apple has followed since the iPhone 14, which featured the same chip as the iPhone 13 Pro.
TSMC is also working on its more advanced “A14” process technology, which will allow it to produce 1.4nm chipsets, according to the report. However, there’s currently no word on a timeline for production of chips on the advanced process technology, which means it could be years before an iPhone model is launched with a 1.4nm processor.