Apple to delay 2nm chips for 2026 as TSMC struggles with yield | Infinium-tech

Apple was reportedly looking to launch the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025 with a 2nm chipset, but according to reports from South Korea, it may have to delay its plans by 12 months.

The latest information from insiders claims that TSMC is struggling with wafer yield, and 2nm chips have not yet been certified for mass production. There is very high demand for the test products, and the Taiwanese manufacturer is being driven to adapt its existing facilities to the new process, which will take time.

TSMC specifically produces chips for Apple devices like iPhones and MacBooks, but the Taiwanese company also serves other major customers like Nvidia and Qualcomm. Reportedly, both these companies are in talks with Samsung Electronics to expand production at Korean foundries as tensions rise in Taiwan.

TSMC currently manufactures 10,000 wafers monthly, with plans to expand to 80,000 by 2026. Its facility in Arizona will contribute to achieving a total production capacity of 140,000.

TSMC Semiconductor Manufacturing Fab Site in Phoenix, Arizona

Taiwan’s Economic Daily reported that the yield of 2nm wafers is 60%, indicating that 40% of each wafer is unusable. With a production cost of one wafer at KRW 44 million (about $30,000), TSMC effectively loses $120 million monthly due to flaws in the new process.

The solution is straightforward – Apple will continue using the 3nm process for another year, allowing TSMC to increase yield and improve pricing. Samsung also faces challenges – the South Korean company needs to boost both the yield and performance of its 2nm chips, which are already falling short compared to its key Taiwanese rival.

Source (in Korean)