TSMC’s 2nm Process Attracts Apple and Intel for Initial Production Batch Amidst Massive Demand

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is gaining significant attention with its upcoming 2nm semiconductor manufacturing process, as tech giants Apple and Intel are reportedly in line to secure the initial production batch, according to a report from Taiwan Economic Daily.

TSMC’s highly anticipated 2nm chips are expected to enter production by 2025, and the company has reportedly seen keen interest from major players in the tech industry. Apple, a long-time exclusive customer of TSMC, is said to have reserved a portion of the 2nm supply for its next-generation iPhones. There are speculations that the debut of the 2nm process could coincide with the release of Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro, featuring successors of the A-series SoCs, following the company’s current naming scheme.

In addition to Apple, Intel is rumored to be considering TSMC’s 2nm process for its future Nova Lake CPU lineup. While details about Nova Lake CPUs are limited, industry insiders suggest that it could be the most significant architectural uplift in Intel’s history, surpassing even the Core architecture. The anticipated CPU performance improvement is rumored to exceed 50% over the Lunar Lake chips. The decision for Intel to collaborate with TSMC is seen as a strategic move to adopt a more “mature” semiconductor supplier and remain competitive in next-gen markets. The Nova Lake CPUs are expected to be released in 2026.

Intel’s own foundry services have been progressing steadily, including a recent collaboration with Taiwan’s second-largest foundry, UMC. However, the choice to opt for TSMC’s 2nm process for its mainstream CPU architecture raises questions about Intel’s confidence in its upcoming processes. Despite Intel’s forthcoming “apparently” superior 18A process set to enter production by H2 2024, the decision to partner with TSMC underscores the importance of staying competitive in cutting-edge semiconductor technologies.

The semiconductor industry is closely watching these developments, as the competition intensifies, and major players align themselves with advanced manufacturing processes to meet the growing demand for high-performance chips in various electronic devices.

Source: Taiwan Economic Daily, Wccftech