According to a report, Apple has started making its first chips at TSMC's new US factory in Arizona instead of TSMC making them in Taiwan. The first Apple A16 Bionic SoC used in the iPhone 14 Pro (Max) and later the iPhone 15 (Plus) was said to be “Made in USA”.
N4P chips from Arizona
The process is said to be the same as the one used for this chip in Taiwan: N4P. The volume is currently still small, but can already be described as significant. Yields are still below Taiwan's levels, but are catching up quickly. This is reported by the reporter Tim Kalban.
A16 Bionic for iPhone SE made in USA?
With the introduction of the iPhone 16 (Pro), there are currently only two products in Apple's portfolio that use A16 Bionic: the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus. However, it seems that the US version will not be used there.
Instead, Kalban speculates that the new iPhone SE and iPhone 14, expected in early 2025, could get this US chip.
TSMC invests $40 billion in Arizona
TSMC's first placement outside of Taiwan is the largest financing program under the US Chips Act. Inward investment volume is USD 40 billion. Two factories are planned for the site. The chips come from the first fab designed for the N4 process. Mass production is scheduled to begin in 2025. A second fab is set to start production in 2026 – with the N3 later.
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