We are now fully in the age of the 7 nanometer (nm) process of processor chip production. AMD have led the charge in desktop processors, with Intel struggling to get their new process up to scratch. In the mobile world, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Apple are all on 5nm at the moment as well. It was thought that the next step would be 4nm, but now it seems Apple is readying a new 3nm process for new mobile chip production as soon as 2022.
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One of Apple’s suppliers is allegedly getting ready to produce 3nm chips in the second half of 2022, while the 4nm production will start within months. Taiwanese computer chip giant TSMC produces Apple iconic silicon, and according to reports they could soon start producing the new A15 chip that’s expected to arrive in the upcoming iPhone 13 line-up. A supplier commented:
“TSMC has claimed its N3 technology will be the world’s most advanced technology when it begins volume production in the second half of 2022. Relying on the proven FinFET transistor architecture for the best performance, power efficiency, and cost effectiveness, N3 will offer up to 15% speed gain or consume up to 30% less power than N5 and provide up to 70% logic density gain.”
Apple is also still in the process of transitioning away from Intel chips on its entire range of products. While it has made the move on some Macbook, iMac and iPad models, it still has some way to go. It said at the launch of the M1 chip that the transition would take up to two years.
“However, Apple’s in-house developed Arm-based processor series is expected to play the key role in taking a major chunk from Intel’s share in the upcoming year,” the sources said.
“Intel is expected to lose nearly 50% of its orders from Apple in 2021 and will eventually obtain no orders from the client. Losing Apple’s 10% market share and seeing AMD staying firmly with another 10%, Intel’s share in the notebook market is likely to slip below 80% in 2023,” the sources noted.
