Apple orders N3E process chips to prepare for iPhone 16 series

News on October 14, according to the latest report from DigiTimes, TSMC factories are intensively promoting the mass production of the N3E process, and plan to replace the N3 process in 2024. This move is expected to push the proportion of 3-nanometer chip sales to 4-6% this year, equivalent to up to US$3.4 billion (approximately RMB 248.54 billion).

Relevant news also revealed that Apple will become the largest customer of TSMC’s N3E process and plans to apply it to the upcoming iPhone 16 model.

Prior to this, Apple had used the N3B (3 nanometer) process A17 on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models. Pro chip. The new N3E process will further reduce production costs, improve yield, and enhance chip performance and energy efficiency on this basis.

According to the editor’s understanding, DiGiTimes believes that TSMC has begun mass production of the N3E process and plans to fully transition to this process next year. In addition, industry giants other than Samsung will also use the N3E process. Apple has been confirmed as TSMC's most important customer and has secured order commitments.

Earlier this year, Apple acquired nearly 90% of TSMC’s 3-nanometer chip production capacity. According to the latest news, Apple is expected to receive 100% capacity support from TSMC in 2023 as Intel adjusts its CPU design schedule. This move will further consolidate the cooperative relationship between Apple and TSMC and promote the development of innovative technologies

The above is the detailed content of Apple orders N3E process chips to prepare for iPhone 16 series. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!