Apple’s A16 chips now being manufactured at TSMC’s Arizona facility

Marking a significant development in the semiconductor industry, Apple’s A16 chips, which first debuted with the iPhone 14 Pro, are now being produced at TSMC’s Fab 21 plant in Arizona. This marks a notable milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify its supply chain and bolster domestic chip production.

TSMC’s Fab 21, a state-of-the-art facility located in Phoenix, Arizona, has begun manufacturing the A16 chips in small but substantial quantities. These chips are produced using the advanced 4nm N4P process, the same technology employed in TSMC’s facilities in Taiwan. This ensures that the quality and performance of the chips remain consistent across production sites.

The move aligns with earlier reports that TSMC’s Arizona plant would start producing cutting-edge chips for Apple by 2024. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by both Apple and TSMC to mitigate risks associated with global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The Arizona facility represents a significant investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, aiming to reduce reliance on overseas production.

Currently, the production at the Arizona plant is limited as the facility ramps up operations. Full-scale manufacturing is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2025, following the completion of the second stage of the plant’s initial phase. Once operational at full capacity, the plant will significantly enhance Apple’s ability to meet growing demand for its advanced chips while also supporting broader U.S. efforts to strengthen its semiconductor industry.

“This marks a key step in our ongoing efforts to build a more resilient and diversified supply chain,” said a spokesperson from Apple.The expansion of TSMC’s production capabilities in the U.S. underscores a pivotal shift in the global semiconductor landscape, reflecting both technological progress and strategic realignment in the industry.