Due to TSMC's production problems, the iPhone 14 series will not be equipped with 3nm process

Many people thought that Apple's first device equipped with 3nm process chips would be launched next year, but unfortunately it will not happen. Since TSMC cannot achieve its mass production goals next year, Apple will only be able to use 4nm process chips in 2022.

Based on the M1 chip, Apple's new 3nm chip will bring a huge increase in speed and power. But unfortunately, according to a report from Seeking Alpha, TSMC is confirming production delays for its 3nm chips, also known as N3. This means that mass production of the A16 Bionic technology expected to be used in the 2022 iPhone 14 series has been delayed, and Apple will have to use the previous generation node instead.

Apple has reportedly secured 4nm chip orders from TSMC, with production expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2021. The iPhone maker is also said to have booked initial 3nm orders from the Taiwanese manufacturer, meaning it will get a head start on the competition. TSMC will reportedly mass-produce 3 million chips in the second half of next year, which could be used in the iPhone 14 series.

Given that the iPhone is Apple's biggest moneymaker, that product line will be prioritized. Like TSMC, Samsung has faced production issues with its 3nm GAA process, so it was thought that TSMC would have a sizable lead over Samsung. However, as you can see, it's never that simple. If TSMC can't find a way to improve yields and increase production, the A16 Bionic and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 898 Plus will likely be manufactured on its same 4nm technology.