TSMC has begun production of Apple’s mobile chips in Arizona, but they aren’t the models you might expect.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) has officially opened its new chip fabrication facility in the U.S. Based in Arizona, one of the top semiconductor producers has already started making its first chips. Interestingly, these are not the latest models but rather the iPhone chips from two generations back.
Production of A16 SoC
The Arizona facility has commenced the manufacturing of Apple’s A16 System on a Chip (SoC), which was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. These devices are now two years old and can be found refurbished on Amazon for $679.95, having originally hit the market in 2022.
The A16 chips produced in Arizona utilize the same N4P process as those from the main facility in Taiwan, as reported by Tim Culpan. While it may seem unusual for Apple to request chips for a two-year-old device, it’s important to note that the A16 also powers the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, there could be additional reasons behind Apple’s order for these new chips.
Speculations on Future Devices
The commencement of this production has sparked speculation that the upcoming iPhone SE 4, which is rumored to adopt the design of the iPhone 14, might be equipped with the A16 chips being manufactured in Arizona. There are also hints that a new iPad Mini could be another potential recipient of the silicon made in the U.S.
The U.S. government has been investing significantly to promote the establishment of semiconductor manufacturing plants within the country. With Apple producing an SoC for an upcoming iPhone or iPad, this move is likely to boost domestic manufacturing efforts even further.
