Rumours Swirl: Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro May Debut with TSMC’s Cutting-Edge 2nm Chip
As anticipation builds for the launch of Apple’s iPhone 16 series later this year, attention is already shifting to the potential features of the iPhone 17 lineup slated for 2025. Recent leaks and reports suggest that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max could set a new standard in smartphone technology by being the first to incorporate a 2nm chip manufactured by TSMC.
According to a report from Digitimes, the groundbreaking “N2” chips, crafted by TSMC, are set to enter production later this year, with mass manufacturing scheduled for 2025. Although the report doesn’t specify the name of Apple’s 2nm SoC, it’s speculated to follow the company’s naming convention, potentially labelled as the A19 Pro.
In addition to the 2nm N2 chips, TSMC is reportedly developing an enhanced 2nm process node referred to as “N2P,” expected to hit mass production by late 2026. However, it remains unclear whether this advancement will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 19 Pro.
While details about TSMC’s 2nm process node remain scarce, the company claims it will boost transistor density by 15% compared to the N3E process, likely powering the upcoming iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max. This increase in transistor density is projected to enhance performance by 10-15% and improve power efficiency by 25-30%.
Beyond smartphones, Apple is also anticipated to integrate 2nm chips into future Mac models, although specifics regarding their release timeline are not provided in the report. Apple recently introduced MacBook Air models equipped with the 3nm M3 chip, boasting nearly 20% faster performance than its predecessor, the M2, and enhanced graphics capabilities including hardware-accelerated ray tracing. The advent of 2nm M-series chips promises further innovation for Apple’s Mac lineup.
