The partnership between TSMC and Apple for more efficient chips has enabled several breakthroughs in silicon development. First, we have 5 nm SoCs that are used in smartphones and laptops, even though the M1 Macs have only used it so far.
However, telephone manufacturers using 3nm disc sets will become an everyday and soon after 2nm parts. To make this transition possible, a new report claims that both TSMC and Apple have teamed up to promote chip development, but we doubt we will see any form of mass production in a few years.
According to previous reports, TSMC may have already secured 2nm chip orders
While the headline of the report talks about TSMC fulfilling 3nm chip orders for Intel, Apple notes an interesting detail that will help the Taiwanese giant push the boundaries of silicon development, and that is 2nm R&D. Apparently, both TSMC and Apple are working together for a unique purpose; mass-producing chips on the above knot. However, before mass production plans are underway, the report states that TSMC has begun the initial preparation of the site.
This indicates that TSMC will eventually set up a facility dedicated solely to the production of 2nm chips. In a previous report it was mentioned that TSMC has already received 2 nm chip orders, although the name of the customer was not mentioned. The chipmaker can view Hsinchu Baoshan as the place where the trial and development will take place. Before this plan comes into force, however, TSMC must execute 3nm orders for different partners. It seems that Apple has an advantage here as well, as the company apparently secured the initial amount of 3nm orders.
This technology will be used to develop custom silicone for the iPhone, iPad and Mac. Apple could also have an 80 percent stake in TSMC’s 5nm production capacity for 2021, with the upcoming A15 Bionic expected to be on the more advanced N5P node. We expect that 2022 will be the year that TSMC will start mass production of 3nm chips, and the trial production for 2nm is expected to take place in 2023, if we assume that everything goes according to plan.
For now, both entities can work together for 2 nm R&D, but we will not hold our breath for slides on this lithograph to come soon.
News source: UDN