The Countdown to Mass Production
Apple enthusiasts, brace yourselves! The much-anticipated ‘Made in America’ iPhone chips are inching closer to mass production right in Arizona. A recent report teases that Apple is set to revolutionize its production game at the first U.S. plant dedicated to manufacturing A-series processors. Test production by TSMC has already kicked off, paving the way for the precise verification of the chips that are being produced.
Why the U.S. Chips Act Matters
This initiative is no random shift; it’s a direct result of the U.S. Chips Act. Designed to enhance domestic semiconductor manufacturing, this legislation aims to reduce America’s reliance on China for chip supplies and create jobs for American workers. In 2022, Apple announced its Made in America chips, placing it firmly on the national manufacturing map. TSMC’s facilities are among several being built in Arizona, with a portion of the production specifically reserved for Apple’s chips.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
Despite some production delays, the stage is set for initial manufacturing of parts for the S9 SIP designed for the Series 9 iPhone and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. And while the newer, smaller-process 2nm chips have faced even further pushed timelines until 2028, let’s remember: the current 3nm chips are more than up to the task. Meanwhile, TSMC still finds itself in hot water, facing scrutiny over its hiring practices. It’s yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of tech production and national pride!