Apple to Lead with TSMC’s 2nm Chips

Apple, the largest client of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), has become the first customer for its 3nm manufacturing process. Apple has consistently occupied a major part of the production capacity in TSMC’s 7nm, 5nm, and now 3nm processes. Reports indicate that Apple has already reserved a significant portion of the production capacity for TSMC’s upcoming 2nm manufacturing process and is expected to be the first company to adopt its 2nm chips.

On December 29, 2022, TSMC commenced commercial production of its 3nm process. The company is currently working on developing the more advanced 2nm process and plans to begin mass production in the second half of 2025.

TSMC is a leading semiconductor manufacturer that has been providing wafer fabrication services since 1984. The company’s advanced process technologies include 7nm, 5nm, and 3nm, with the 3nm process achieving significant success in terms of capacity. Apple is one of its most important clients, occupying a major part of the capacity in the 3nm process, to the extent that it has caused fulfillment challenges for other major clients’ orders.

With TSMC’s two newly established fabs under construction to support its 2nm process production, Apple has already secured a large portion of the capacity. This preemptive strategy is not uncommon, as Apple had also reserved capacity in advance for the 3nm process. It is understood that TSMC will employ a gate-all-around transistor architecture for its 2nm process, enhancing chip performance.

While mass production of TSMC’s 2nm process is still two years away, Apple has responded proactively. The company has been continuously innovating advanced technologies and products, maintaining close ties with its supply chain to ensure timely access to necessary materials. Hence, pre-booking production capacity is a common practice for Apple.