{"id":641746,"date":"2023-04-26T10:05:13","date_gmt":"2023-04-26T15:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.sellorbuyhomefast.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/26\/apple-may-be-struggling-with-its-next-mac-chips-heres-why-that-matters\/"},"modified":"2023-04-26T10:05:13","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T15:05:13","slug":"apple-may-be-struggling-with-its-next-mac-chips-heres-why-that-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/26\/apple-may-be-struggling-with-its-next-mac-chips-heres-why-that-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple may be struggling with its next Mac chips \u2014 here\u2019s why that matters"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\tApple may be struggling with its next Mac chips \u2014 here\u2019s why that matters\t<\/h2>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAlex Blake\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
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Apple\u2019s chip manufacturer is \u201cstraining to meet demand\u201d for the chips that will power future Macs, according to a report from EE Times<\/a>. If these difficulties continue, it could have worrying implications for Apple with just months to go before the 3-nanometer M3 chip is set to debut.<\/p>\n

TSMC is currently manufacturing Apple\u2019s 3nm chips (which TSMC calls N3), and the EE Times report notes that TSMC\u2019s \u201ctool and yield struggles have impeded the ramp to volume production.\u201d Aside from Samsung, TSMC is the only company that has the ability to make these chips, so any kind of delay could be of grave concern for Apple execs.<\/p>\n

\"Apple's
Apple<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It could also have a knock-on effect for Mac fans. If TSMC cannot produce the number of chips Apple requires for its future Macs<\/a>, Apple might have to delay the roll-out of the next line of iMacs<\/a> and MacBooks, all of which are expected to launch with the 3nm M3 chip in late 2023 or early 2024.<\/p>\n

As well as the M3, Apple\u2019s iPhone 15<\/a> chip (the A17 Bionic) is expected to be made using a 3nm process. The next iPhones are due to launch in September 2023, so Apple will be hoping TSMC can turn things around in time for its most important product to be unveiled.<\/p>\n

The EE Times report follows a statement from TSMC CEO C.C. Wei, who last week explained that although the company was the first in the industry to achieve \u201chigh-volume production with good yield\u201d for 3nm chips, its customers\u2019 demands \u201cexceed our ability to supply.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/a>A temporary blip?<\/h2>\n
\"An
Apple MacBook Pro 14<\/span> Mark Coppock\/Digital Trends<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

However, not every analyst EE Times spoke to is feeling so glum. According to Arete Research analyst Brett Simpson, \u201cAt present, we believe N3 yields at TSMC for A17 and M3 processors are at around 55%.\u201d While that might not sound too encouraging, Simpson explains that it\u2019s a \u201chealthy level at this stage in N3 development.\u201d Simpson also expects TSMC to boost its chip yields \u201cby around 5+ points each quarter.\u201d<\/p>\n

It seems that TSMC believes its current 3nm struggles will be a temporary blip since it is already planning to move to a 2nm process in 2025. Wei stated that TSMC is \u201cobserving a high level of customer interest and engagement\u201d for its 2nm process, and Apple will undoubtedly be near the front of the queue.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because Apple is known to be one of TSMC\u2019s primary customers, and the Cupertino giant has reportedly bought TSMC\u2019s entire supply of 3nm chips<\/a>. That means it\u2019s even more important for Apple fans that the manufacturer\u2019s current difficulties do not end up delaying Apple\u2019s next batch of Macs. We\u2019ve got our fingers crossed.<\/p>\n

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\n\tEditors’ Recommendations<\/h4>\n