Apple is releasing its iPhone 17 series next month. The company hasn’t confirmed the specs yet, but the rumors suggest we can look forward to the new iPhones being powered by Apple’s latest A19 chipset. This is rumored to be built using TSMC’s 3nm process. However, come 2026, Apple is expected to start using 2nm chips from TSMC.
TSMC gearing up for 2nm, Apple to secure half capacity
According to a report from DigiTimes, it seems that TSMC is getting ready to start producing 2nm wafers. The report claims that TSMC will begin full-scale production of its 2nm wafers by the end of 2025, and that Apple has managed to secure half of TSMC’s initial capacity.
These chips won’t make its way into the iPhone 17 lineup. Instead, if the rumors are true, Apple will utilize them for the A20 chipset, which wil debut in the iPhone 18 lineup. Also, Apple securing half of TSMC’s initial capacity doesn’t come as a surprise.
Apple and TSMC have been working extremely closely over the past few years. Thanks to TSMC’s advanced manufacturing process, it has allowed Apple to create powerful and efficient chipsets used in its iPhones, iPads, and even Mac computers.
The report says TSMC is estimated to reach production capacity of 45,000 to 50,000 wafers a month. Each wafer is also rumored to cost $30,000, which is an increase over previous wafers. This means that there is a chance that we could be looking at an increase in smartphone prices in 2026.
Clamoring for 2nm chips
That being said, Apple won’t be alone in getting its hands on 2nm chips. Aside from Apple, TSMC also produces chips for many other big names in tech. This includes Qualcomm, whose chipsets are used in the majority of Android smartphones around the world.
Qualcomm is expected to debut its next-gen Snapdragon chipset next month. However, the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 is rumored to be built on TSMC’s 3nm process. There were rumors that Samsung was supposed to build a 2nm version, but it was cancelled. Instead, like Apple, Qualcomm will most probably debut a new 2nm chipset in 2026.
AMD, MediaTek, and Broadcom are also some of TSMC’s customers, and they are all probaby eager to get their hands on chips made using the latest technology.
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