As part of the two-year transition plan, Apple is gradually migrating the entire Mac product line from the Intel x86 platform to its own Apple Silicon custom chips. For example, on the 14/16-inch MacBook Pro this fall, the M1 Pro / M1 Max chipset, which has an amazing power consumption and energy efficiency ratio, left us quite impressed.On the other hand, the “A16 Bionic” chip that is said to be used in the next-generation “iPhone 14” may be dragged down by the unsuccessful progress of TSMC’s 3nm process.
(Picture viaWCCFTech)
A detailed report from The Information stated that TSMC is preparing for next year’s “iPhoneThe 14” line-up manufactures 3nm process chips. At this time, TSMC is in the middle of the transition to 3nm technology.
It is reported that the iPhone 13 series uses a 5nm process-basedAppleA15 Bionic chip. The “A16 Bionic” chip based on TSMC’s 3nm process is expected to further reduce the energy consumption of the “iPhone 14” device (extend battery life without increasing device size).
But if TSMC loses the chain this time, the new generation of iPhone’s plan to switch from 5nm to 3nm chips may not happen in time for the “iPhone 14”.
In this case, the iPhone processor will be stuck in the same level of 5nm process for three consecutive years (including next year). As a long-term leading high-tech company, this will also be the first time for Apple.
In the absence of new marketing factors, some customers may also make preparations to postpone the equipment update for another year. On the other hand, Apple’s competitors may also be able to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have more time to catch up.