After Tim Cook, CEO of TSMC and Apple, unveiled his upcoming chip fab in Arizona earlier this month, mass production of 3nm silicon in Taiwan is starting with a celebration. Interestingly, such a ceremony is unusual for TSMC, here’s why…
Today, TSMC is holding a celebration to mark the start of mass production of 3nm process chips in its native Taiwan, Focus Taiwan reports. The company’s “Fab 18” plant, which will begin manufacturing the latest and greatest chip technology, is located in South Taiwan Science Park in Tainan.
Coincidentally, holding such a ceremony is odd for TSMC, and analysts believe the company hopes it will help with concerns surrounding its recent US investments. Those plans have recently more than tripled from $12 billion to $40 billion for its Arizona facilities.
“Market analysts speculate that the company is holding the ceremony to publicize its intention to continue using Taiwan as a hub for research, development and manufacturing, despite its overseas investments.”
Apple currently calls its A16 a 4nm chip, although TSMC really thinks it’s an improved 5nm chip. The first 3nm chips to arrive in Apple products are expected to be Macs with the M2 Pro and Max in 2023.
TSMC’s Arizona plants will also eventually produce 3nm chips (after starting with 4nm), but the company’s Taiwanese plants are expected to produce the cutting-edge technology first. 2nm mass production is scheduled to begin as early as 2025.
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