Major semiconductor companies are competing to bring the “2 nanometre” processor chips as early as possible. It is believed to be the next thing in tech, especially in smartphones. According to a new report, the world’s largest foundry TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) showed off its 2nm prototype to its biggest customer, Apple.
But, how does a 2nm processor chip excel over others? The simplest answer to this would be smaller process nodes, which means smaller transistors. It enables more of them to fit on a single chip which further boosts its capabilities. And of course, the number of transistors on a chip is directly related to its performance and efficiency. For example, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro line makes use of 3nm processed A17 Pro chips and we’ve seen the company boasting about its performance on the show and off the show.
Apple and NVIDIA get an exclusive look at TSMC’s 2nm processor chip
NVIDIA was another tech major to catch an exclusive look at TSMC’s 2nm prototype. More importantly, it’s another of TSMC’s biggest customers among Apple and others. The production of a 2nm chip is chugging along at the Taiwanese foundry. TSMC is eyeing to launch 2nm processor chips in 2025, noted FT, and it’d be the most efficient tech to date. If all goes smoothly, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max might be the first Apple devices to house a 2nm A19 Pro processor. But take it with a grain of salt because previous leaks suggest Qualcomm could make the first move with 2nm.
Notably, Samsung and Intel are now behind. It has become a tech race and includes many aspects to compete, such as reliability, and affordability being the major prospects. ArsTechnica notes Samsung may pull the “price” card to attract big customers including NVIDIA. Samsung sees 2nm as a “game-changer” but people doubt it could compete well against TSMC, said a Dalton Investments analyst.
While Samsung confidently preps for mass production by 2025, TSMC finalizes its 3nm and 2nm client list. Meanwhile, Intel throws down the gauntlet with free test production for its 1.8nm process, potentially wooing AMD and challenging TSMC’s dominance.
2023-12-15 15:08:47