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Search results for: “3nm”

  • Apple’s Next Big Launches: Airtag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro

    Apple’s Next Big Launches: Airtag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro

    Apple is gearing up for exciting new releases in 2025, with the AirTag 2 and M5 MacBook Pro leading the way. These products promise practical upgrades for everyday users.
    The AirTag 2, expected in May or June, will improve how you track items like keys or bags. It will feature a better ultra-wideband chip, offering up to three times the range of the current AirTag, making it easier to find lost items from farther away.

    Apple is also enhancing safety by making the speaker harder to tamper with, addressing concerns about misuse. The design will stay similar, keeping the familiar small, round shape and replaceable battery. Priced around $29, it’s a handy upgrade for anyone who relies on AirTags.

    Meanwhile, the M5 MacBook Pro is set to launch in October, bringing modest but meaningful improvements. Powered by M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips, it will use advanced 3nm technology for better performance. Expect faster processing and possibly Wi-Fi 7 support, though the design won’t change much. A bigger overhaul with an OLED display is planned for 2026.

    Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models, it’s perfect for professionals needing reliable power. Both products show Apple’s focus on refining what works. The AirTag 2 makes tracking simpler and safer, while the M5 MacBook Pro boosts performance for heavy tasks. Keep an eye out for these launches to stay ahead with Apple’s latest tech.

  • Apple and TSMC to bring 1.4nm chips by 2028 for faster and more efficient devices

    Apple and TSMC to bring 1.4nm chips by 2028 for faster and more efficient devices

    Apple is working with its chip-making partner TSMC to create more powerful and energy-efficient chips using a 1.4-nanometer (nm) process by the year 2028. This will be the most advanced chip technology ever made by TSMC.

    Right now, Apple’s latest chips are built using a 3nm process. Moving to 1.4nm means the chips can be even smaller, faster, and use less power. These upgrades could lead to better performance and longer battery life in future iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

    TSMC plans to start making chips with the 1.4nm process—called A14—by late 2027, with mass production in 2028. The company is also working on 2nm and 1.6nm chips before reaching the 1.4nm level.

    This improvement is part of Apple’s long-term strategy to make its devices faster while keeping them energy efficient. TSMC is currently building advanced chip facilities in Taiwan to support this new technology. Apple will likely be one of the first to use these 1.4nm chips when they’re ready.

    This new chip tech shows how Apple and TSMC are pushing the limits to bring better performance to everyday devices, all while using less power.

  • iPhone 18 may be more expensive due to advanced chip technology

    iPhone 18 may be more expensive due to advanced chip technology

    Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 lineup could be more expensive, and the reason is a major change in its chip technology. According to a report from DigiTimes, the new A19 chip — expected to power the iPhone 18 — will use TSMC’s 2-nanometer (2nm) process, which is more advanced and costly than the current 3nm process used in the iPhone 15 Pro.

    TSMC, Apple’s chip supplier, is set to start making 2nm chips in the second half of 2025. This new chip process offers better performance and improved energy efficiency, but it also comes with a much higher production cost. That means Apple might raise the prices of the iPhone 18 models to balance the added cost.

    Apple usually introduces new chip technology in its Pro models first, so the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could be the first ones to get the 2nm A19 chip. The standard iPhone 18 models may still use an older chip, like the A18 or A17 Pro.

    In short, while the new chips could make iPhones faster and more power-efficient, buyers might have to pay more for those upgrades, especially in the Pro models of the iPhone 18 series. Apple hasn’t confirmed any of this yet, but more details should come out closer to the launch.

  • Apple boosts US chip production and unveils new iPhone Fold design

    Apple boosts US chip production and unveils new iPhone Fold design

    Apple is stepping up its game with chip production in the United States. TSMC, the company that makes Apple’s chips, says its first US factory took longer than expected to start, but things are now speeding up. Future plants will be built much faster, taking just two years instead of five.

    This means more Apple devices, like iPhones and Macs, will soon use chips made in America, starting with a 3nm plant in 2028 and a 2nm one by 2030. However, the latest, most advanced chips will still come from Taiwan, where TSMC keeps its top tech.

    Meanwhile, Apple is working on something exciting—a foldable iPhone, nicknamed the “iPhone Fold.” It’s set to launch next year with a special hinge made of metallic glass. This material is super strong and won’t bend or dent easily, making the phone tougher and helping the screen stay smooth without creases.

    The iPhone Fold will open to a 7.8-inch display and have a smaller 5.5-inch screen when closed, similar to some Samsung models. Priced around $2,000, it’ll be a premium gadget. Apple has used this metallic glass in small parts before, but this hinge will be its biggest use yet. With faster US chip-making and a cool new phone design, Apple fans have a lot to look forward to!

  • Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 and HomePod Mini updates

    Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 and HomePod Mini updates

    Apple is gearing up for some exciting changes! According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 18, expected in 2026, will feature a powerful new A20 chip made with a tiny 2nm process from TSMC.

    This upgrade promises faster performance and better battery life compared to the current 3nm chips used in iPhones. Kuo says this leap to 2nm tech will make the iPhone 18 a standout, offering big improvements for users who want speed and efficiency.

    Meanwhile, Apple has quietly refreshed the HomePod mini packaging. The smart speaker itself hasn’t changed, but its box is now all white with a new design. Instead of colorful boxes matching the device’s shade, like the old space gray or yellow options, the updated look features the Apple logo on top and a sleek HomePod mini logo on the side.

    Priced at $99, the HomePod mini remains a budget-friendly choice compared to the $299 HomePod 2. Rumors also hint at a next-generation HomePod mini coming later, but for now, it’s just a fresh box for the same great speaker. Exciting times are ahead for Apple fans!

  • iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    iPhone 17 Pro to bring more power and better zoom

    The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to pack some exciting upgrades, according to analyst Jeff Pu in a note shared with GF Securities this week. One big change is the rear Telephoto camera, which will jump from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 Pro to a sharp 48 megapixels.

    This upgrade means all three cameras—Fusion, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto—on these new models will boast 48 megapixels. That’s a win for anyone who loves snapping detailed shots, especially from a distance. Plus, the phones are expected to sport a fresh look with a rectangular camera bump.

    Memory is getting a boost too. The iPhone 17 Pro models will come with 12GB of RAM, compared to 8GB in the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. More RAM should make things run smoother, especially for multitasking or using Apple’s smart features like Apple Intelligence.

    Screen sizes won’t surprise anyone familiar with recent iPhones. The iPhone 17 Pro will stick with a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max keeps its larger 6.9-inch screen. Both are sizes people already know and love.

    Under the hood, these phones will run on an A19 Pro chip, built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process called N3P. That’s a fancy way of saying it’s a step up from what’s in the current models, promising better speed and efficiency.

    With these changes, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max sound like they’re shaping up to be powerful tools for photo lovers and tech fans alike. From clearer zoom shots to faster performance, there’s plenty to look forward to when these devices arrive.

  • M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    M3 Chip confirmed for upcoming iPad Air models

    In what appears to be a significant leak, renowned tech leaker Evan Blass has shared details suggesting that Apple’s next iPad Air models will feature the new M3 chip. According to a glimpse of what seems to be internal source code, Blass hinted at the arrival of new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air versions, alongside an entry-level iPad 11.

    Blass, who has a history of accurate leaks, including pre-announcement reveals of the iPhone 12 and HomePod mini, posted this information on a private social media account. His latest leak counters previous speculation that the iPad Air might skip the M3 and directly adopt the M4 chip, which is currently exclusive to the iPad Pro line. This move would align with Apple’s strategy to differentiate between its tablet offerings by chip generation, rather than using the more costly and less efficient first-generation 3nm process chips.

    While the specifics of the iPad 11 remain somewhat under wraps, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has suggested it might come equipped with the A17 Pro chip, enhancing its capabilities for Apple Intelligence features. Additionally, the leak hints at the development of a new iPhone SE 4, continuing Apple’s tradition of refreshing its budget smartphone line.

    Apple updated the iPad Air last in May 2024 with the M2 chip, introducing for the first time a 13-inch model. If these leaks hold true, we might see these new devices announced as early as March or April, potentially with new Magic Keyboard accessories to complement them. However, no drastic design changes are expected, keeping the focus on internal upgrades.

     

  • The Surprising Persistence of the A17 Pro: Inside Apple’s chip strategy for the next iPad

    The Surprising Persistence of the A17 Pro: Inside Apple’s chip strategy for the next iPad

    Apple’s silicon strategy has always been a source of fascination and speculation for tech enthusiasts. Recent moves, however, have raised more than a few eyebrows. While the industry largely expected Apple to swiftly move on from its first-generation 3nm process, the A17 Pro chip, it appears this powerful processor is finding a new home in the upcoming entry-level iPad. This unexpected decision offers a fascinating glimpse into Apple’s current approach to chip utilization and its implications for the future of its product lines.

    For a while, the narrative surrounding the A17 Pro and the N3B process, the first generation 3nm manufacturing technology it utilized, was one of struggle. Reports suggested that the process was proving costly, yielding fewer chips than anticipated, and offering less of a performance leap compared to previous generations than Apple had hoped. This led many to believe that Apple would be eager to abandon this process as quickly as possible. This belief was seemingly reinforced by the rapid introduction of the M4 chip in the iPad Pro just months after the M3 debuted in Macs.

    Apple’s history of using older-generation chips in its lower-end iPhones further fueled this assumption. The iPhone 14, for example, retained the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13, while the Pro models received the newer A16. However, this pattern was disrupted with the iPhone 16 lineup, where all models featured the A18 chip, bypassing the A17 altogether. This seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for the A17 and the N3B process.  

    Then came the surprise: the 7th generation iPad mini. This compact tablet, boasting Apple Intelligence capabilities, was powered by the A17 Pro, the very chip many expected to be phased out. While this move seemed justifiable for a lower-volume product like the iPad mini, it still raised questions about Apple’s long-term plans.  

    Now, according to reliable sources, Apple is set to double down on the A17 Pro by incorporating it into the next generation of its standard 11-inch iPad. This decision is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it indicates that Apple is finding ways to effectively utilize the A17 Pro, potentially through binning – a process of selecting chips that meet specific performance criteria, even if they don’t achieve the highest possible clock speeds or core counts. This would allow Apple to maximize the value of its existing A17 Pro inventory.

    Secondly, the inclusion of the A17 Pro in the entry-level iPad underscores Apple’s commitment to bringing Apple Intelligence features to a wider audience. The A17 Pro’s processing power is crucial for enabling these advanced AI functionalities, suggesting that Apple views them as a key differentiator for its devices moving forward. Reports also suggest a memory upgrade to 8GB for the new iPads, the minimum required for optimal Apple Intelligence performance.

    This move also challenges the conventional wisdom of reserving the latest and greatest chips for premium devices. By equipping the entry-level iPad with a powerful processor like the A17 Pro, Apple is blurring the lines between its product tiers and offering users a more compelling experience at a lower price point.

    Apple will likely use a binned version of the A17 Pro in the iPad 11, similar to the 5-core GPU configuration seen in the iPad mini 7. This allows them to effectively manage chip production and allocate resources appropriately.

    As always, rumors suggest that Apple is planning to unveil this new iPad model in the spring, potentially alongside new iPad Airs, a new iPhone SE, and updated Magic Keyboards. The continued presence of the A17 Pro, however, adds a fascinating new layer to the narrative, showcasing Apple’s evolving approach to chip strategy and product development. It seems that even when we think we have Apple figured out, they still have a few surprises up their sleeve.

  • Remembering the dawn of the iPhone and looking ahead to the iPhone 17 Pro

    Remembering the dawn of the iPhone and looking ahead to the iPhone 17 Pro

    Eighteen years ago, the tech world was irrevocably changed. On a January day in 2007, Steve Jobs took the stage at Macworld Expo and unveiled not one, but two groundbreaking products: the original iPhone and the first Apple TV. This wasn’t just another product launch; it was a revolution in personal technology and home entertainment. 

    Jobs, with his characteristic showmanship, presented the iPhone as a trifecta of innovation: a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device. He emphasized that these weren’t three separate gadgets crammed into one; they were seamlessly integrated into a single, elegant device. “Today,” he declared, “Apple is going to reinvent the phone.” 

    And reinvent it they did. The original iPhone was a stark departure from the clunky, button-laden phones of the time. Its sleek aluminum and plastic design, dominated by a 3.5-inch multi-touch display, eliminated the need for a physical keyboard. This, combined with a 2-megapixel camera and the revolutionary iPhone OS, offered a user experience light years ahead of anything else on the market. The iPhone wasn’t just a phone; it was a pocket-sized computer, a music player, and a window to the internet, all rolled into one. It set the stage for the mobile revolution we live in today. 

    But the iPhone wasn’t the only star of the show. Apple also officially launched the Apple TV, a device that had been teased as “iTV” a few months prior. The Apple TV was designed to bring iTunes content to the living room, allowing users to wirelessly stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos from their computers directly to their televisions. With a 40GB hard drive for local storage and support for 720p HD resolution, the Apple TV offered a compelling new way to enjoy digital media at home. The inclusion of both HDMI and component video output further solidified its place as a versatile home entertainment hub. 

    Adding another layer to this momentous occasion, Apple announced a significant corporate shift: the company officially changed its name from “Apple Computer, Inc.” to simply “Apple Inc.” This change signaled a broader vision, a move beyond personal computers and into the wider world of consumer electronics and digital services. Apple was no longer just a computer company; it was a technology powerhouse. 

    Fast forward to today, and the legacy of these announcements continues to shape the tech landscape. As we reflect on the 18th anniversary of these groundbreaking products, the rumor mill is already churning with anticipation for the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, expected later this year. While official details are still under wraps, several intriguing rumors have surfaced, painting a picture of what we might expect.

    One notable rumor suggests a return to an aluminum frame for the iPhone 17 Pro models, a departure from the titanium used in the iPhone 15 and 16 Pro. This could be coupled with a unique “part-aluminum, part-glass” back design, potentially even incorporating elements of both aluminum and titanium in the frame itself. The camera bump is also rumored to be undergoing a redesign, potentially adopting a larger rectangular shape made of aluminum. Whether the lenses will retain their current triangular arrangement or shift to a horizontal or vertical alignment remains to be seen.  

    Under the hood, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to be powered by Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chip, manufactured using TSMC’s advanced third-generation 3nm process. As always, this new chip is expected to bring improvements in both performance and power efficiency. There’s also talk of Apple designing its own Wi-Fi 7 chip, though some reports suggest it might stick with Wi-Fi 6E, like the iPhone 16 models. 

    Camera upgrades are also on the horizon, with rumors pointing to a significant jump to a 24-megapixel front-facing camera for all iPhone 17 models, doubling the resolution of the current 12-megapixel front camera. The rear telephoto camera on the Pro models is also rumored to be getting a substantial boost, potentially jumping to 48 megapixels from the 12 megapixels found on the iPhone 16 Pro models.  

    Memory is another area where we might see an improvement, with rumors suggesting an increase to 12GB of RAM for both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. This increase would provide more headroom for demanding tasks, including the performance of Apple’s AI features and multitasking. Finally, there’s a whisper about a significantly narrowed Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, potentially achieved through the implementation of a “metalens” for the Face ID system.

    These are, of course, just rumors, and the final product may differ. However, they offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the iPhone and underscore the lasting impact of those groundbreaking announcements 18 years ago. From the revolutionary touch screen of the original iPhone to the potential advancements of the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, a legacy that began with a visionary on a stage and a simple promise to reinvent the phone.

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