- Kyle Chua
Tim Cook Confirms Apple To Use TSMC Chips Made in Arizona in Future iPhones, Macs
Apple confirms it intends to start sourcing American-made chips for its next-generation devices after a report hinted at the move late last year.
According to CNBC, Chief Executive Tim Cook announced on Tuesday at an event in Arizona, where U.S. President Joe Biden was also present, the Cupertino tech giant would be buying processors made in the new plant in Phoenix operated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
"And now, thanks to the hard work of so many people, these chips can be proudly stamped Made in America," said Cook. "This is an incredibly significant moment."
While Cook didn't share details, the plant is expected to output chips made in the four- and three-nanometre processes that are set to power future iPhones, iPads and Macs, among other products. The two advanced processes are used for Apple's A-series and M-series processors. Bloomberg previously reported the A17 chip that will be housed on next year's iPhone will be manufactured in the new three-nanometre process, but it's not certain yet whether it will be made in the U.S. plant or elsewhere.
"Today we’re combining TSMC’s expertise with the unrivalled ingenuity of American workers. We are investing in a stronger, brighter future, we are planting our seed in the Arizona desert. And at Apple, we are proud to help nurture its growth," said Cook.
TSMC, which holds the largest market share in the world, is Apple's exclusive chip-manufacturing partner. Tim Cook added that the iPhone maker would soon become the new site's largest customer.
The Phoenix facility is scheduled to start production in 2024, with an additional plant slated for 2026 to accommodate the growing demand. All in all, the site can reportedly manufacture 600,000 chip wafers per year, which isn't all that big compared to TSMC's total capabilities, having output 12 million wafers in 2020. Still, the new site could help further alleviate the global chip shortage and help the U.S. lessen dependence on Asian partners.
TSMC is said to be spending US$40 billion on the site, with other expenses being covered by subsidies from the American government by way of the CHIPS and Science Act, which incentivises chip manufacturers building plants in the U.S.
Apple confirms it intends to start sourcing American-made chips for its next-generation devices after a report hinted at the move late last year.
"And now, thanks to the hard work of so many people, these chips can be proudly stamped Made in America," said Apple CEO Tim Cook at an event in Arizona.
While Cook didn't share details, the plant is expected to output chips made in the four- and three-nanometre processes that are set to power future iPhones, iPads and macs, among other products.
Cook also said Apple would become the Arizona site's largest customer once it starts operation in 2024.