Apple Likely Sticking with 3nm Chips for iPhone 17
Despite typically following a two-year cycle for process nodes, Apple is expected to use the 3nm process for the third consecutive year with the iPhone 17 lineup. This marks a shift in the silicon cycle, previously seen with the 5nm process used in the A14 and A15 chips.
While the A16 was branded as 4nm, TSMC considers it part of the 5nm family. This highlights the slowing development of next-generation silicon fabrication. The first 3nm chips appeared in 2023 due to Apple's use of an early 3nm process (N3B).
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 18: The 2nm Wait
Initial rumors suggested a 2nm process for the iPhone 17, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the use of the third-generation 3nm process (N3P). The iPhone 18 Pro models are more likely to feature the cutting-edge 2nm technology. The base iPhone 18 models may retain 3nm chips, potentially using the N3P or N3X process. For more on Apple's future plans, check out Apple's Spring 2025 Product Roadmap.
TSMC's 2nm risk production is expected to begin in 2025, with volume production later that year. While this aligns with the iPhone 17 launch, Apple has opted to wait, similar to their approach with the first-generation 3nm process. Apple is also not expected to use 2nm for the M5 chips in Macs and iPads, sticking with the 3nm process. For insights on other upcoming devices, see Xiaomi 15 Global Launch Expected Soon and POCO F7 Ultra: Specs, Features, and Imminent Launch.
It appears that 2nm chips won't arrive in Apple devices until 2026 at the earliest.