Sep 20, 2024 20:00:00

Apple's mobile CPU production finally begins at TSMC factory in Arizona, USA

By

Li Jilin

TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor foundry, has been building a new factory in Arizona, USA since 2021, and Apple has stated that it will request semiconductor manufacturing at TSMC's Arizona factory. Technology columnist Tim Culpan reports that TSMC is manufacturing the mobile SoC ' A16 Bionic ' at the Arizona factory.

Apple Mobile Processors Are Now Made in America. By TSMC
https://timculpan.substack.com/p/apple-mobile-processors-are-now-made

For many years, Apple has manufactured most of its products in factories in China, but in recent years, in response to the intensifying trade friction between the United States and China, Apple has been moving away from China and is working to establish manufacturing bases outside of China. In fact, it has been reported that some of the iPhone 15, which was released in September 2023, is being manufactured in India.

The iPhone 15 will be the first 'Made in India iPhone' to be distributed from the day of its release, Apple's efforts to break away from its dependence on China for manufacturing will bear fruit - GIGAZINE

In addition, the US government has asked Taiwan-based TSMC to begin manufacturing chips in the US, and in response, TSMC announced that it had begun construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Arizona in June 2021.

In addition, Apple CEO Tim Cook said in December 2022 that 'Apple will become the largest customer of the TSMC factory being built in Arizona,' revealing that Apple-designed chips will be produced at TSMC's Arizona factory.

TSMC announces plans to build a 3nm semiconductor factory in Arizona, Apple CEO Tim Cook declares that 'Apple silicon will be manufactured in Arizona' - GIGAZINE

According to Karpan, as of September 2024, TSMC's Arizona factory is producing a small but significant number of Apple's 'A16 Bionic'. The A16 Bionic will be installed in the 2022 ' iPhone 14 Pro ' and ' iPhone 14 Pro Max ', the 'iPhone 15' and ' iPhone 15 Plus ' to be released in 2023, and is also expected to be installed in the next iPhone SE, which is expected to be released in 2025.

TSMC aims to manufacture 4nm chips in the Arizona plant in the first half of 2025, and the production of the 5nm A16 Bionic is considered part of achieving the production goal. TSMC spokesperson Nina Kao said, 'The Arizona project is progressing smoothly as planned.' Kao did not comment on the products manufactured at the Arizona plant.