TSMC is nearing the launch of mass production capabilities at its factory in Arizona, according to a recent report from Nikkei Asia. Industry insiders have revealed that Apple is in the final stages of verifying these domestically-produced chips, with full-scale manufacturing anticipated to commence later this quarter. Apple is currently testing a series of unnamed A-series chips that are being produced at TSMC's facility in the U.S.
TSMC semiconductor manufacturing fab site in Phoenix, Arizona
Reports indicate that TSMC's Arizona plant will focus on the production of older Apple chipsets such as the A16 Bionic, which powers the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, as well as the Apple S9 chip, used in the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.
TSMC has received significant funding from the U.S. government as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, with its latest grant of $6.6 billion confirmed in November. This initiative is designed to strengthen domestic chip manufacturing and create local job opportunities.
Looking ahead, TSMC plans to produce 4nm chips in Arizona within this year and aims to manufacture 3nm chips by 2028, utilizing advanced N2 and A16 nanosheet processes. Additionally, the semiconductor giant has announced plans to build a third factory in Arizona by 2030 to facilitate the production of 2nm chips.
