TSMC has begun testing 3nm chips, volume production in Q4 2022

A new report says that iPhone processor manufacturer TSMC has begun pilot production of 3-nanometer chips, and expects to be producing them in volume at the end of 2022.

Having already been finalizing a 3-nanometer processor manufacturing process, TSMC is now said to have moved beyond its initial "risk production."

According to Digitimes, unspecified industry sources have backed up previous reports that the company is on track for 3nm production.

"TSMC has kicked off pilot production of chips built using N3 (namely 3nm process technology) at its Fab 18 in southern Taiwan," reports Digitimes, "and will move the process to volume production by the fourth quarter of 2022."

Currently, Apple uses TSMC's 5nm processors for the M1 chips. It's expected that TSMC's 3nm processors will power the next generation of Apple Silicon.

Digitimes has a poor track record as it pertains to Apple's future plans. It has but a much better one regarding information about Apple's suppliers. If this report is correct, it's probable that Apple will begin releasing products using 3nm processors in early 2023.

Apple uses TSMC for the A-series processor in the iPhone and iPad, as well as the M-series that it uses in the iPad Pro and Mac.

10 Comments

melgross 20 Years · 33622 comments

About 3 years ago

I wonder about the actual timing on this. Apple normally gets first production of new nodes and sub node advances, since they help finance it and are the largest customer. But this timing says that others will get 3nm first.

mjtomlin 20 Years · 2690 comments

melgross said:

I wonder about the actual timing on this. Apple normally gets first production of new nodes and sub node advances, since they help finance it and are the largest customer. But this timing says that others will get 3nm first.

I don't see how that's the case? Volume production doesn't mean "peak" production. Given the amount of SoCs Apple requires, they could spend 6-9 months just trying to build up supply, if they plan on using it for the A17, M3, and M3X.

KTR 4 Years · 280 comments

It seems to me that they want to be safe and make sure that chips are damn near flawless. But it seems rather late.

tht 23 Years · 5654 comments

About a month ago, wasn't there speculation that TSMC 3nm was going to be late for the A16, and Apple would have stick with 5nm or 4nm?

If they are starting pilot production now, I think that is good news for mass production of TSMC 3nm A16 chips starting in June or July for a late Sep iPhone release.

For the M3 on TSMC 3 nm, it's a no brainer piece of speculation. The M2 hasn't shipped yet! And the rumors are for a MBA w/M2 shipping in Summer. That means the M3 won't be coming out until Fall of 2023. 2 years from now. If the M2 actually shipped now, there's a chance Apple might try for a yearly update for the MBA so this news might mean an M3 for Fall of 22 being at risk, but it's not, and it's looking like an 18mo cycle. So, no worries.

mjtomlin said:

melgross said:

I wonder about the actual timing on this. Apple normally gets first production of new nodes and sub node advances, since they help finance it and are the largest customer. But this timing says that others will get 3nm first.

I don't see how that's the case? Volume production doesn't mean "peak" production. Given the amount of SoCs Apple requires, they could spend 6-9 months just trying to build up supply, if they plan on using it for the A17, M3, and M3X.

Don’t see what is the case? You just said something similar to what I said.