According to a recent rumour from Nikkei Asia, Apple’s upcoming M3 processor for Macs and A17 chip for iPhone 15 Pro models would be produced using TSMC’s improved 3nm process known as N3E in 2019. The devices are anticipated to go on sale in 2023.
According to the study, N3E will provide better performance and power efficiency compared to TSMC’s first-generation N3 3nm technology.
The rumour indicates that in the interim, some of Apple’s next iPad processors would be manufactured using the first-generation 3nm technology from TSMC. According to speculations, Apple will update the iPad Pro next month with the M2 processor, which is produced using TSMC’s second-generation 5nm process. It is unclear which iPad models the claim is referring to. Later this year, a new entry-level iPad with the outdated A14 chip is also anticipated.
According to the source, 2023 may be the second year in a row that Apple’s newest chip is exclusively available in the Pro versions of its new iPhone lineup. The basic iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus versions come with the older A15 chip, while Apple announced iPhone 14 Pro models last week with an A16 chip based on TSMC’s 4nm technology.