Apple gains roughly half of TSMC's 2nm manufacturing output

TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, has announced plans to ramp up its 2nm manufacturing process in the fourth quarter of 2025. This cutting-edge technology, a significant advancement in chip technology, offers increased efficiency and performance.

The demand for this technology exceeds expectations in terms of profitability. Reports by DigiTimes suggest that Apple has secured approximately half of the 2nm chip production from TSMC. The iPhone 18 series is expected to benefit from the improvements offered by the 2nm manufacturing process, with the A20 chip to be used in the devices.

Apple will remain the primary customer for TSMC's 2nm chips, with Qualcomm expected to be the second-largest customer. Other expected customers include AMD, MediaTek, Broadcom, Intel, and potentially Samsung and Qualcomm as they aggressively expand their own 2nm chip capabilities. However, detailed official customer lists from TSMC for the 2nm node have not been publicly confirmed yet.

The high cost per wafer for the 2nm process at TSMC is anticipated to be up to $30,000, setting a new record high. This could impact the price of the iPhone 18 series.

TSMC's commitment to leading-edge technology is evident in its decision to invest heavily in the 2nm manufacturing process. The company plans to increase its monthly production capacity at its factories in Baoshan and Kaohsiung.

TSMC's 3nm and 4nm production are already fully booked until the end of 2026, indicating the high demand for advanced chip manufacturing processes. The 2nm manufacturing process is a testament to TSMC's continued innovation and its position as a leader in the global semiconductor industry.

The use of the 2nm manufacturing process by Apple signifies a continued focus on innovation and performance in its products. With the iPhone 18 series expected to be among the first devices to benefit from this technology, Apple fans can look forward to improved efficiency and performance in their devices.

Meanwhile, Nvidia could join the ranks of customers going into mass production by 2027, further expanding the market for TSMC's 2nm chips. As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, TSMC's 2nm manufacturing process is poised to play a crucial role in powering the next generation of technology.