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  • 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.

  • TSMC and Intel team up to run chip factories

    TSMC and Intel team up to run chip factories

    On April 3, 2025, exciting news broke about a possible partnership between Intel and TSMC, a key supplier for Apple. According to The Information, the two companies have made a basic deal to work together and manage Intel’s chip-making plants. TSMC would own 20% of this new joint company, while Intel and other U.S. chip businesses would hold the bigger share.

    As part of this plan, TSMC might share its know-how on building chips and even train Intel’s workers to use these methods. Talks are still going on, so the final setup isn’t set yet. Reports say the Trump administration pushed for this deal to help Intel recover and boost high-tech chip production in the U.S.

    Intel and TSMC have been rivals for a long time. Intel once powered Apple’s Macs, but since 2020, Apple switched to its own chips, made by TSMC. TSMC focuses only on making chips, not designing them, which has helped it zoom past Intel. Intel’s chip-making side has struggled—its chips cost more, and it produces less than TSMC. Some Intel leaders worry this deal could mean job cuts, as they might need to sell off old equipment or let go of engineers.

    Last year, Intel lost $18.8 billion, hit hard by a weak PC market and big spending on its factories. This partnership could be a lifeline, blending TSMC’s skills with Intel’s setup. While details are still fuzzy, it’s a big step that could shake up the chip world and affect companies like Apple, which rely on TSMC’s top-notch manufacturing. This move shows how the U.S. is working to strengthen its tech edge, and it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out!

  • TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s new plan might hurt U.S.-Made Apple Chips

    TSMC’s recent $100 billion promise to boost its U.S. operations grabbed attention, but it left out key details—like whether this cash is really new or just old promises repackaged. Even more surprising, some experts think this move could actually slow down efforts to make Apple chips in America. Here’s why.

    Where Things Started

    Back in 2022, Apple shared exciting news: it wanted chips stamped “Made in the USA.” This tied into the U.S. CHIPS Act, a big push to bring tech jobs home. TSMC stepped up, planning factories in Arizona. Some of those chips were meant for older Apple gadgets.

    But the road’s been bumpy. The first factory was supposed to start cranking out chips last year, but that got delayed to 2024. People also wondered if raw chips made in the U.S. would still need to zip back to Taiwan for finishing touches—something called “packaging.” Plus, there were grumbles about jobs. TSMC brought in many workers from Taiwan, sparking claims it wasn’t fully supporting American workers.

    What’s Up with the $100 Billion?

    The Trump team hyped up this $100 billion plan before TSMC even confirmed it, making it sound fresh. But since Arizona factories were always part of the vision, it’s hard to tell if this is extra money or just the same budget with a new label.

    One fresh twist? TSMC now says it’ll build U.S. packaging plants. Before, they planned to hand that job to another company, Amkor. This might just mean shifting work around in the U.S., not adding much new.

    A Setback for Apple Chips?

    Here’s the catch: Apple needs cutting-edge chips, and TSMC’s best tech stays in Taiwan. The U.S. plants were already set to make older-style chips, lagging behind Taiwan’s top factories. Now, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says this new deal scraps one of the more advanced U.S. plants. Instead, TSMC’s adding a packaging site and a research hub.

    That could mean fewer chips for even Apple’s older devices. Kuo also warns the $100 billion isn’t locked in—it’s “flexible,” so TSMC might adjust based on how things go. In short, this big announcement might sound great, but it could leave U.S.-made Apple chips stuck in the past.

  • Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    Apple tried Intel for iPhone chips, but Tim Cook wasn’t impressed, says TSMC Founder

    TSMC, a big partner for Apple, makes chips for millions of their devices each year. But, according to their founder, there was a time when Intel tried to make chips for the iPhone but didn’t do well enough to impress Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook.

    TSMC Founder Wasn’t Worried About Intel Competition for iPhone Chips

    In a recent conversation on the Acquired podcast, Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, talked about the history of working with Apple. One key point was back in February 2011 when Intel was considered for producing iPhone chips.

    At that time, Intel already made chips for Apple’s Macs. However, their attempt at iPhone chip production didn’t go as planned. Chang mentions a talk with Jeff Williams, who said, “We need to take a break from our talks for a couple of months because Intel’s top people have approached Tim Cook to discuss making chips for the iPhone.”

    Chang wasn’t too concerned because, in 2011, Intel didn’t have the same strong reputation it once did:

    “Jeff was talking about the iPhone,” Chang said. “I wasn’t too worried because Intel wasn’t the big deal anymore. I had to agree to Jeff’s request, but I wasn’t really concerned.”
    Later, Cook met with Chang over lunch at Apple’s headquarters, where he reassured Chang by saying, “There’s nothing to worry about,” explaining that Intel didn’t have the right know-how to be a chip foundry. Chang found this response brief but reassuring.

    Chang also shared insights on Intel’s customer relations:

    “Before Apple became our customer, I knew many of Intel’s customers in Taiwan, like all the PC makers. None of them were fans of Intel. Intel often acted like they were the only game in town.”
    He added that these customers “all wished there was another supplier.”

    You can view the complete interview for more insights into the tech industry’s past.

  • New iPad Pro with M5 chip set for fall release

    New iPad Pro with M5 chip set for fall release

    Apple is gearing up to launch new iPad Pro models with its latest M5 chip later this year. According to reports, Samsung Display and LG Display have started mass-producing OLED screens for these devices. Last year, Samsung supplied the 11-inch OLED panels, while LG handled the 13-inch ones for the iPad Pro.

    This time, both companies will share production for both sizes, as Apple aims to strengthen its supply chain and expand OLED use. Plans are in place to bring OLED displays to the iPad mini in 2026 and the iPad Air in 2027. The upcoming iPad Pro won’t see big changes beyond the M5 chip, which will use TSMC’s advanced 3-nanometer technology for better performance and efficiency.

    One small tweak might be the Apple logo on the back, switching to a landscape orientation to look upright when used with a keyboard. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that these new iPad Pro models could hit stores around October, following the timeline of previous releases in 2018 and 2022.

    For comparison, the M4 iPad Pro models, which introduced OLED displays, a slimmer design, and Apple Pencil Pro support, launched in May 2024. This update focuses on performance rather than a major redesign, making it a solid but modest upgrade for iPad Pro fans.

  • Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18 to feature advanced A20 chip technology

    Apple’s iPhone 18, set to launch in 2026, will introduce a powerful new A20 chip made with TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nanometer process. This technology allows for smaller, more efficient chips that boost performance. The A20 will also use a new packaging method called Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM), a shift from the older Integrated Fan-Out (InFo) approach.

    WMCM integrates components like memory, CPU, and GPU directly onto the chip, making it faster and more power-efficient. Unlike InFo, which focuses on single-chip designs with memory placed nearby, WMCM combines multiple chips into one compact package. This allows for better communication between components, improving speed and reducing power use.

    As a result, the iPhone 18 could see up to 15% faster performance and 30% better energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 17’s A19 chip. The new design may also enhance battery life and thermal management, keeping the phone cooler during heavy use. TSMC, Apple’s chip manufacturing partner, is preparing for high demand by setting up a dedicated production line at its Chiayi P1 facility in Taiwan.

    By 2026, this line is expected to produce 10,000 WMCM units monthly. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that only the iPhone 18 Pro models will feature the A20 chip with 12GB of RAM, due to higher costs. This upgrade promises a significant leap in performance for Apple’s premium devices.

  • Apple plans big memory upgrade for iPhone 18 and iPhone 17 stays on track for September launch

    Apple plans big memory upgrade for iPhone 18 and iPhone 17 stays on track for September launch

    Apple is already planning a major upgrade for the iPhone 18, even before the iPhone 17 hits the market. According to trusted leaker @Tech_Reve, the iPhone 18 is expected to use a new type of memory called LPDDR5T. This is faster and more efficient than the current LPDDR5 memory used in recent iPhones. LPDDR5T is made by SK Hynix and offers better performance while using less power. If Apple adds this memory, users can expect quicker performance and better battery life in the iPhone 18.

    Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 is still on schedule and expected to launch in September 2025. Reports from the supply chain say that production is moving forward without any major problems. Apple is working closely with suppliers like TSMC to make sure everything stays on track.

    The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to include design changes, especially in the Pro models. Apple might introduce a smaller Dynamic Island and improve the Face ID sensors. However, these updates are still being finalized. Also, the Pro versions of the iPhone 17 may get the new A19 chip, offering better performance and power efficiency.

    In short, the iPhone 17 is moving smoothly toward a fall release, while Apple is already planning a big memory upgrade for the iPhone 18 to make it even faster and more efficient.

    Source/Via

  • 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!

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