Major players in the mobile chip market, Apple and Qualcomm, are stepping up their efforts for 2nm processors. According to a new leak, the companies are actively working on 2nm and smaller processes in discussions with TSMC.
Apple and TSMC in Talks for 2nm
In slides prepared by TSMC, Apple is mentioned as working on the “TS2nm.” This indicates that the company has actively started designing chips that will utilize 2nm technology.
2nm chips are expected to power the iPhone series by 2025, likely debuting with the iPhone 17 family. TSMC’s 3nm and 5nm processes have provided significant performance and efficiency boosts to Apple’s A-series chips. Similar breakthroughs are anticipated with 2nm.
TSMC began developing the 2nm process in 2019, planning to start mass production in the second half of 2025. The 2nm designation means that transistors are shrinking, allowing more to fit on a chip, promising more powerful features and longer battery life.
In addition to Apple, Qualcomm is also reported to have held discussions with TSMC and obtained information about the 2nm process. Qualcomm aims to expand its Snapdragon XR2 series, which powers XR chips, and use this process in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.
The collaboration may not be limited to 2nm. TSMC is reported to have started R&D for an even smaller 1.4nm architecture by 2027, and Apple could be the first company to use it.
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