TSMC's Arizona Plant has begun small-scale production of Apple's A16 Chips
Last month The Guardian reported that TSMC reportedly pushed plans back to start manufacturing chips until 2025, blaming a lack of skilled labor. So it was surprising to learn this morning that Chinese media Futu has reported that TSMC has begun small-scale production of A16 chips for Apple’s iPhone at its factory in Arizona.
TSMC's Arizona factory has been under construction for many years. The factory announced its construction in 2020 and was put into operation four years later to start producing chips for Apple.
According to sources, the first phase of TSMC's Fab 21 plant in Arizona is building the A16 system-on-chip (SoC) for the iPhone 14 Pro. Although the quantity is small, it is very meaningful, and production is expected to increase in the next few months.
As the Arizona plant's production gradually increases, it is expected to reach their full production target in the first half of 2025.
It is reported that the chip uses the N4P process, which is the same as the A16 process produced by TSMC in Taiwan. N4P process technology is part of the 5nm family, which TSMC calls an enhanced version of 5nm technology.
Source: Industrial and Commercial Times
Apple silicon unlocks a new level of performance for our users. And soon, many of these chips can be stamped “Made in America.” The opening of TSMC's plant in Arizona marks a new era of advanced manufacturing in the U.S. — and we are proud to become the site’s largest customer. pic.twitter.com/rBoiEUwZaX
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 6, 2022