According to sources, TSMC is reportedly set to begin mass production of its 3nm node by the end of this year, with Apple showing interest in the latest production process for its upcoming devices. TSMC is expected to hold a "3nm Mass Production Ceremony" event this week, where it will reveal more information on the expansion of its 3nm capacity.
Earlier promises of starting large-scale production in the second half of 2022 were not fulfilled, but TSMC seems to be catching up. The company is expected to hold an inauguration ceremony on December 29 at Fab 18, located in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, where it will celebrate the milestone.
While Apple currently uses a 5nm chipset for its iPhone 14 smartphones and a 4nm SoC for its Pro series, rumors suggest that the American company is eyeing the 3nm production process for its new laptops, the M2 Pro-SOC, as well as the rumored M3 and A17 Bionic for the iPhone 15.
Other companies such as Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm are said to be sticking with 4nm and 5nm for now.
TSMC is expected to ramp up production in the first half of 2023, with the N3 and N3E nodes being put into operation. The mass production of the N3E node is currently scheduled for the first half of next year, while the N3P and N3X nodes are expected to be released in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
