TSMC will not be able to produce a 3nm processor for the iPhone 14

TSMC 3nm process faces challenges and iPhone 14 processor may not be adopted. TSMC is the company that manufactures the processors for the iPhone. The company has been working with Apple for years, with good results so far. The processor expected in the next generation of cell phones is causing more headaches than expected. It seems that this will not be a chip manufactured in 3nm as expected.

The company was hoping to produce 3-nanometer chips between 2022 and 2023, but that schedule will ultimately not be met. This included having 4-nanometer chips available as early as this year, which has not happened.

TSMC’s 3nm production troubles, iPhone 14’s A16 processor will use 5nm for the third time

The A15 processor in this year’s iPhone 13 is based on TSMC’s N5P process, a 5nm grafting. Since Apple has used 5nm two years in a row, the normal rhythm would have been for next year’s “iPhone 14” to be 3nm.

TSMC’s plans included the brand’s next phone having a processor manufactured at 3 nanometers. However, the company will not make its technology available until next year, which is a significant change in plans. This change of plans concerns Apple and the processor for the iPhone 14.

And even 4 nanometer is still uncertain at the moment. Therefore, many believe that the iPhone 14, which Apple will launch next year, will also be equipped with a 5-nanometer processor, like the current model. It is only possible that a processor with a different manufacturing process would be available in a later generation.

3nm, TSMC will not be able to produce a 3nm processor for the iPhone 14, Optocrypto

Other companies are affected by similar problems that have their origin in the semiconductor crisis. Samsung has delayed its 3-nanometer processors until 2023, so Apple’s competitors are also affected by this problem. TSMC may also have to wait until 2023 to start producing 3 nanometers. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop.

A former TSMC employee revealed that Apple had pressured TSMC to supply larger quantities of iPhone 12 A14 chips last year without increasing the overall contract price. In addition, Apple had “dictated” the location of the TSMC fab at the beginning of the partnership for fear of earthquakes, but the other side eventually accepted.

This news, of course, should also be taken with a pinch of caution. As TSMC announced as recently as the middle of last month, it will begin risky pilot production of the N3 3nm process later this year. Mass production is expected to begin in the second half of 2022, with actual sales in the first quarter of 2023.

3nm, TSMC will not be able to produce a 3nm processor for the iPhone 14, Optocrypto

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