Apple to Introduce A17 Bionic Chip with Different 3nm Processes in iPhone 15 Pro Line
Recent reports suggest that the A17 Bionic chip, set to be featured in Apple’s upcoming iPhone 15 Pro line, will undergo a transition to different 3-nanometer (nm) processes this year and in 2024. Chinese media outlets, including MacRumors and Weibo, have shed light on this development.
Reputed tipster 手机晶片?人, who actively shares insider information on Weibo, revealed, “The A17 bionic chip utilized in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models will be manufactured using the N3B process. However, Apple plans to shift to the slightly less efficient but cost-saving N3E process for next year’s production of the A17 Bionic chip.”
Apple anticipates the A17 Bionic chip to be its first-ever chip crafted through TSMC’s 3-nm manufacturing process. In addition to the N3B process exclusively utilized for Apple’s semiconductor orders, TSMC is simultaneously developing the N3E process.
While the N3E process is employed by other TSMC customers, it features lower transistor density and fewer EUV layers compared to the N3B process. Consequently, the N3E process offers enhanced yields and performance, albeit at the expense of some efficiency. Its simplified and readily accessible nature enables reduced production costs. Initially, Apple intended to employ the N3B process for the A16 Bionic chip, but due to development delays, it utilized the N4 process instead.
MacRumors provides further insight, stating, “During the product cycle of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple is not likely to introduce significant changes to the A17 Bionic chip.”
The A17 Bionic chip that Apple will use in the iPhone 15 Pro line this year and the same chip that will be used in 2024 will be produced with different 3-nano (nm) processes, foreign media such as MacRumors and reported, citing a Weibo report in China.
Tipster 手机晶片?人, who is active on Weibo, said, “The A17 bionic chip used in the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max is an N3B process, but the A17 bionic chip produced next year will have conversion to the less efficient but cost-saving N3E process is planned,” he said.
The A17 Bionic chip is expected to be Apple’s first chip to be manufactured using TSMC’s 3-nm manufacturing process. TSMC is currently developing the N3E process in addition to the N3B process, which produces only semiconductors ordered by Apple.
The N3E process is a production process used by other TSMC customers. It has fewer EUV layers and a lower transistor density than N3B, so it is less efficient, but can provide higher yields and better performance. As the process is simpler and more accessible, it has the advantage of reducing the cost of production. Initially, Apple planned to use the N3B process for the A16 Bionic chip, but as development was delayed, the N4 process was used.
MacRumors said, “Apple is unlikely to significantly change the A17 Bionic during the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max product cycle.
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