TSMC launches production of 2nm chips

From 2025, flagship smartphones will begin switching from 3nm chips to more advanced 2nm chips. This leap in semiconductor technology will pave the way for next-generation Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistors, where vertical nanosheets wrap around the channel on all sides. This design reduces leakage current, increases current strength, and improves both the performance and energy efficiency of processors.

But along with technological advances comes price. Silicon wafers used to make 2nm chips will cost manufacturers $30,000 a piece. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip maker, began accepting orders for such wafers on April 1 this year. Despite the high cost, demand for the advanced process technology remains strong.

An even more expensive frontier lies ahead, however. According to the China Times, the price of silicon wafers will rise 50% to $45,000 when it moves to the next stage – Angstrom’s 1.4nm process. Mass production using this process is not expected until 2028, and only TSMC’s biggest customers – Apple, Nvidia, AMD and Broadcom – will be able to afford this luxury.

MediaTek also confirmed that it will begin the final stage of preparation for 2nm chip production – called tape-out – in the fourth quarter of 2025. That suggests the company remains at the forefront of the race for the Android smartphone market.

MediaTek also confirmed that it will begin final preparations for 2nm chips – called tape-out – in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Apple has traditionally prioritized the performance of its devices. Despite lagging behind Google and Samsung in AI, the company was one of the first to pay for the transition to the 3nm process when TSMC began mass producing it. So it’s not surprising that Apple is likely to be among the first customers again for 2nm chips.

It’s not surprising that Apple is also likely to be among the first customers.

Preliminary reports suggest that the iPhone 18, due out in 2026, will debut the first 2nm A20 and A20 Pro chips. And this year, Apple will once again use TSMC’s advanced 3nm process – N3P – for the iPhone 17 lineup, expected in September. All of this confirms the company’s commitment to maximizing performance, no matter the cost.

It’s not just Apple that’s committed to cutting-edge technology. Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will get a Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which will also be manufactured using TSMC’s N3P process. MediaTek’s new flagship, the Dimensity 9500, will be on the same level.

The performance battle is thus moving to the next level. And while silicon wafer prices continue to rise, the tech giants are willing to pay to stay ahead of the competition.

Silicon wafer prices continue to rise, and the tech giants are willing to pay to stay ahead of the competition.

The story TSMC launches 2nm chip production was first published on ITZine.ru.