Skip to main content

TSMC confirms plans for 5nm plant as it seeks to retain Apple’s A-series chip business

It was reported back in January that TSMC was investing in a 5nm chip fabrication process as part of its efforts to retain its sole supplier status for Apple’s A-series chips.

The company has now confirmed this report …

Reuters carried the news.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, a supplier to Apple Inc, said on Thursday it expects to invest $25 billion in 5 nanometer node technology.

TSMC has had the exclusive contract for the A-series chips used in iPhones and iPads since the A9X used in the iPad Pro. It’s believed this is primarily due to the company’s lead over Samsung in ever-smaller processes.

Reuters says TSMC hasn’t announced a timeframe, though the previous report said that the company expected to hit volume production by 2020, and was already looking ahead to a 3nm process by 2022.

Samsung is reported to be working on a 4nm process, but no timeframe is known.


Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear

Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications