Apple orders A16 SoC production from TSMC plant in United States
TSMC has started making Apple's mobile chips in Arizona, but not the ones you think.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) has fired up its new fabrication plant in the United States. Located in Arizona, one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers already has its first chips in production. Interestingly, they are iPhone chips from two generations ago.
The Arizona plant has started manufacturing Apple's A16 SoC, which debuted in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Those models are now two years old (and can be purchased refurbished at Amazon for $679.95), first rolling off the line in 2022.
The A16 chips being made in Arizona use the same N4P process used by the main plant in Taiwan, according to Tim Culpan. While it may seem odd that Apple has ordered chips for a two-year-old phone, keep in mind the A16 also powers the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, there may be another reason Apple has ordered the new chips.
The new production has stirred up rumors that the iPhone SE 4, which is speculated to carry over the design language of the iPhone 14, will be powered by the A16, specifically those being manufactured in Arizona. Other rumors point to a new iPad Mini as the recipient of the Arizona-made silicon.
The United States has been shelling out big bucks to encourage silicon manufacturing companies to open new plants on American soil. Apple manufacturing an SoC for an upcoming iPhone or iPad is sure to spur more manufacturing in the country.
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