Apple’s next chip upgrade is on track for iPhone 17 series: report

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Although Apple recently launched the iPhone 15 Pro and the M3-powered MacBook Air using chips manufactured through the 3nm process, the Cupertino firm is already looking to the future, as a major chip upgrade is underway, which will be ready in time for the iPhone 17 series. 

DigiTimes reports that TSMC is on track to produce 2nm chips for Apple. They will start small-scale production by the end of 2024, and if all goes according to plan, mass production will begin in early 2025— right in time for the iPhone 17 series.

The report states:

TSMC is making progress toward entering the A14 [1.4nm] and 2nm process generations as planned, according to sources at fab toolmakers. Trial production will begin in the second half of 2024, followed by small-scale production in the second quarter of 2025.

If initial testing of the 2nm chips begins by the end of 2024 and mass production takes place in early 2025, the new chips will be ready right in time for the iPhone 17 series—assuming the DigiTimes report is correct.

The reported production also makes sense for Apple’s usual iPhone launch in September. 

The produced chips will be A19 Bionic, and these powerful chips will likely be reserved for the “Pro” iPhone 17 models like they are now. The vanilla iPhone 17 will likely get this year’s A18 Bionic chips. 

Additionally, Apple typically launches the MacBook Pro models in autumn, so the M4 MacBook Pro models could feature 2nm processors. 

Why Apple’s eyes are set on 2nm chips for iPhone 17

Well, 2nm processors are said to offer significant performance upgrades. 

While this is only on paper, the 2nm chips can deliver a 10% to 15% performance boost over the current 3nm chips at the same power consumption. 

The 2nm chips are projected to have at least 25% to 30% lower power consumption. 

Again, this is just on paper. It is yet to be seen how this translates to real-world performance gain for Apple. 

Lastly, the DigiTimes report also mentions a 1.4nm processor. Of course, it will likely be even more potent than the 2nm chips, but we don’t have any details on this upcoming futuristic chip upgrade and don’t expect to land until 2027. 

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