2nm Chips Coming To Apple Devices Early 2026

The M5 chip is a 2nm fabrication technology-based processor (photo: x @Gazyu)

JAKARTA - Apple is expected to introduce 2nm fabrication technology-based processors on the fastest iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices by 2026. Although there was previously speculation that this technology would be used on the iPhone 17 released in 2025, recent reports indicate that the iPhone 17 will only adopt third-generation 3nm (N3P) technology from TSMC.

The development of silicon fabrication is experiencing a slowdown compared to the previous decade. Previously, Apple ran a two-year cycle for chip fabrication processes, such as on 7nm and 5nm technologies. However, currently, the cycle extends to three years.

For example, the A14 chip launched in 2020 uses the first generation 5nm process, followed by A15 in 2021 with 5nm of the second generation, and A16 in 2022 which uses the process of "4nm" (in fact part of the 5nm technology family). The same thing happened to the adoption of 3nm technology, which first emerged with the N3B process in 2023.

iPhone 17 and iPhone 18: Differences in Facilitation Technology

According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the chip on the iPhone 17 will continue to use the third generation 3nm process (N3P). Meanwhile, the new 2nm technology will be available on the iPhone 18 Pro in 2026. The standard iPhone 18 model is likely to stick to third or fourth generation (N3X) 3nm technology-based chips.

TSMC is planned to start risk production for the 2nm (N2) process by 2025, followed by mass production by the end of the year. However, Apple seems to choose to delay this adoption until the process is more mature.

In addition to the iPhone, the M5 family chips that will be present on Mac and iPad devices are also expected to continue using the third generation 3nm process, not 2nm, as reported by The Elec.

With a slower fabrication schedule, the new 2nm technology will be implemented on Apple devices by 2026. For users looking for devices with the latest silicon technology, it is recommended to wait for the iPhone 18 Pro to benefit from this most advanced fabrication technology.

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