# Technology

Apple’s M3, A17 chips likely to use TSMC’s 2nd-gen 3nm process

According to Nikkei Asia and AppleInsider on Tuesday, N3E would provide better performance and power efficiency than TSMC’s first-generation 3nm technology, known as N3.

SNS | September 14, 2022 3:24 pm

Apple’s M3, A17 chips likely to use TSMC’s 2nd-gen 3nm process

According to media sources, the next M3 processor for Macs and A17 chip for iPhone 15 Pro models from tech giant Apple would be produced using the “N3E” upgraded 3nm process from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TMSC) in 2019.

According to Nikkei Asia and AppleInsider on Tuesday, N3E would provide better performance and power efficiency than TSMC’s first-generation 3nm technology, known as N3.

For certain of its forthcoming iPad chips, the source said that Apple intends to adopt the first-generation 3nm technology from TSMC.

As per the report, it is unclear which iPad models the report is referring to, as rumours suggest that Apple will update the iPad Pro next month with the M2 chip, which is manufactured based on TSMC’s second-generation 5nm process.

A new entry-level iPad with an older A14 chip is also expected later this year, the report said.

The report claims that 2023 could mark the second year in a row in which only the Pro models of the new iPhone lineup feature Apple’s latest chip.

Last week, the tech giant unveiled iPhone 14 Pro models with an A16 chip based on TSMC’s 4nm process, while the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus models are equipped with the previous-generation A15 chip

(inputs from IANS)