M3 Chip for Macs and A17 Chip for iPhone 15 Pro Will Reportedly Use TSMC's Second-Generation 3nm Process

[MacRumors]

Apple's future M3 chip for Macs and A17 chip for iPhone 15 Pro models will be manufactured based on TSMC's enhanced 3nm process known as N3E next year, according to a new report from Nikkei Asia. The devices are expected to launch throughout 2023.

N3E will offer improved performance and power efficiency compared to TSMC's first-generation 3nm process known as N3, according to the report.

In the meantime, the report claims that Apple plans to use TSMC's first-generation 3nm process for some of its upcoming iPad chips. It's unclear which iPad models the report is referring to, as rumors suggest that Apple will update the iPad Pro next month with the M2 chip, which is manufactured based on TSMC's second-generation 5nm process. A new entry-level iPad with an older A14 chip is also expected later this year.

The report claims that 2023 could mark the second year in a row in which only the Pro models of the new iPhone lineup feature Apple's latest chip. Last week, Apple unveiled iPhone 14 Pro models with an A16 chip based on TSMC's 4nm process, while the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models are equipped with the previous-generation A15 chip.

Article Link: M3 Chip for Macs and A17 Chip for iPhone 15 Pro Will Reportedly Use TSMC's Second-Generation 3nm Process

 

[B.A.T]

whenever these are released my 2013 iMac will still be going strong

 

[1BadManVan]

Interesting, maybe the next air will get the m2? What else would use the current gen for next year?

 

[TinyMito]

Is 1nm even possible?

 

[calstanford]

Honestly I feel like these reports are full of **** at this point.

 

[Zammir]

Is 1nm even possible?

and what's beyond that

 

[perplx]

Is 1nm even possible?

It's all marketing but yes, the roadmaps go below 1nm in 2030.

 

[Malus120]

Nikkei Asia is a serious publication put out by Japan’s most prestigious business newspaper… and it’s certainly interesting to hear that they will actually be on a process better than N3… but I cant feeling like… no ****, Sherlock???
Like at this point, it would be a surprise if the A17 and the M3 were NOT on whatever TSMC’s most advanced process node available is at the time.

 

[fel10]

Damn, can we at least enjoy the iPhone 14 for a few days before starting to talk about the iPhone 15

 

[jole]

Horrors. My iPhone 14 Pro is now totally outdated and super slow.

 

[Apples Apples Everywhere]

I hereby announce that the M3 and A17 will feature Wifi 6E. Which I just now made up.

 

[JPack]

"According to the analyst's estimate, there is a cost increase of at least 40% for the same area of silicon when moving to 3-nm chips from the 5-nm family, which includes 4-nm chips."

Combined with Kuo's prediction, sounds like Pro and Pro Max could get different chips.

 

[FattiesGoneWild]

Stale and old news. Can we bring some fresh news about the iPhone 16 Pro for once?!?!

 

[BlazednSleepy]

Time to toss my iPhone 14 Pro in the bin. It was fun for the zero time I've had with it.

 

[User 6502]

Damn, can we at least enjoy the iPhone 14 for a few days before starting to talk about the iPhone 15

Not much to enjoy honestly, most boring upgrade in iPhone history.

 

[spicynujac]

Like at this point, it would be a surprise if the A17 and the M3 were NOT on whatever TSMC’s most advanced process node available is at the time.

Yes, Apple & TSMC continue to innovate. But we shouldn't take it for granted. Keep in mind those using windows are stuck with 10nm chips from Intel's 10ESF process (later deceptively renamed to Intel 7).

Intel used to dominate the chip market, so the fact that Apple is already using chips better than anything Intel can make is pretty amazing, not to mention it's planning chips a third that size for production next year. Meanwhile Intel struggles to get decent performance out of its 10nm process.

Intel admits that the 10nm process is doing poorly

In a very honest reflection on the state of Intel's current competitive position, CFO George Davis not only admitted that 10nm won't be as profitable as previous nodes, but that Intel is in fact behind other foundries when it comes to manufacturing technology. Davis doesn't expect Intel will...

www.notebookcheck.net

 

[newmacxc]

Yes, Apple & TSMC continue to innovate. But we shouldn't take it for granted. Keep in mind those using windows are stuck with 10nm chips from Intel's 10ESF process (later deceptively renamed to Intel 7).

Intel used to dominate the chip market, so the fact that Apple is already using chips better than anything Intel can make is pretty amazing, not to mention it's planning chips a third that size for production next year. Meanwhile Intel struggles to get decent performance out of its 10nm process.

Intel admits that the 10nm process is doing poorly

In a very honest reflection on the state of Intel's current competitive position, CFO George Davis not only admitted that 10nm won't be as profitable as previous nodes, but that Intel is in fact behind other foundries when it comes to manufacturing technology. Davis doesn't expect Intel will...

www.notebookcheck.net

The process nodes these days have just become a marketing gimmick which different companies use differently.

comparing intel and TSMC process nodes are like comparing apple to oranges.

 

[UltimaKilo]

They’re in track to deliver enough power in a mobile device while managing thermals, to make really insane AR/VR devices. The next 3-5 years are going to be WILD!

 

[UltimaKilo]

Yes, Apple & TSMC continue to innovate. But we shouldn't take it for granted. Keep in mind those using windows are stuck with 10nm chips from Intel's 10ESF process (later deceptively renamed to Intel 7).

Intel used to dominate the chip market, so the fact that Apple is already using chips better than anything Intel can make is pretty amazing, not to mention it's planning chips a third that size for production next year. Meanwhile Intel struggles to get decent performance out of its 10nm process.

Intel admits that the 10nm process is doing poorly

In a very honest reflection on the state of Intel's current competitive position, CFO George Davis not only admitted that 10nm won't be as profitable as previous nodes, but that Intel is in fact behind other foundries when it comes to manufacturing technology. Davis doesn't expect Intel will...

www.notebookcheck.net

Ufff, another person who fell for the “nm” gimmick. Pro tip: “nm” does not actually denote size.

Pretty soon some manufacturer will just say “-17000nm” and these people will go ape-sh*t for it! 🤣

 

[TheGenerous]

Looking forward to get my hands on the faster M4

 

[StupidOpinion]

how much longer until they get one of these 3nm process chips into the apple watch? the apple watch pro is an improvement but is still ultimately a joke in any endurance capacity

 

[meaning-matters]

All thanks to ASML. ASML, the Dutch company that makes the most complex machines in the world putting the 3nm structures on the chip. TSMC is using these machines.

 

[exoticSpice]

"According to the analyst's estimate, there is a cost increase of at least 40% for the same area of silicon when moving to 3-nm chips from the 5-nm family, which includes 4-nm chips."

Combined with Kuo's prediction, sounds like Pro and Pro Max could get different chips.

More like non-Pro models and Pro models get different chips.

 

[Cromulent]

I find things like this interesting. It doesn't mean I need to buy it. Honestly, I'm not sure why people complain about articles like this. You are on a rumour site, so surely you want rumours.

 

[Sammy in SoCal]

I’ll be upgrading from my iPhone 14 Pro Max next year for that 3 nanometer, usb-c goodness.