Apple plans to introduce 1.4-nanometer chips in its high-end iPhone models by 2028. These chips will mark a transition from the current 2-nanometer technology, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) producing the majority of the A22 Pro chips. Apple is also exploring the possibility of Intel manufacturing some of these chips. Currently, iPhone 17 models utilize a third-generation 3-nanometer process. The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, expected in 2026, will be the first to use the next-generation 2nm process, which will continue into 2027 before the shift to 1.4nm chips in 2028.
TSMC’s development of 1.4nm chips promises up to 15% better performance than the 2nm chips or similar performance with 30% power savings. However, the advancement in chip technology comes with increased production costs and limited capacity due to manufacturing challenges. The demand for TSMC’s efficient chips is high, especially from AI server manufacturers like NVIDIA, affecting supply for consumer devices. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook noted that iPhone 17 models faced supply constraints due to insufficient A19 chip availability from TSMC.
In a bid to diversify its chip supply chain, Apple is rumored to collaborate with Intel, which could produce lower-end chips for iPads and Macs. Intel is working on its 14A node for 1.4nm chips, aiming for production in 2028, and may potentially manufacture non-Pro iPhone chips.
