TSMC announces 2nm chip production will start by 2025

By William Gallagher

Apple Silicon

manufacturer TSMC has publicly committed to producing advanced 2 nanometer processors by 2025.

Even as Apple begins moving to using the company's 3nm chips, TSMC has been planning a new production process for 2nm ones. In 2021, it got approval to build a new facility specifically for the process, and it had been predicted the first chips would be produced in 2023.

According to Nikkei Asia, the company has now announced its aim to be in mass production by 2025. It's the first time the company has detailed any of its plans, and it did so at what the publication describes as an industry event.

Speaking at a US symposium, TSMC spokesperson also revealed that the company was working to use "nanosheet transistor architecture." This is a radically different technology compared to the current 5nm processes, and requires considerable investment.

Nikkei Asia reports that Samsung has already announced plans to deliver 2nm processors by 2025. Intel is reportedly claiming its 1.8nm technology is ahead of schedule, and will be produced by the end of 2024.

TSMC made no announcements about customers for the forthcoming process. Previously, however, Apple bought TSMC's entire production capacity for 3nm processors.