The 2nm process still has a while before mass production officially kicks off, but even as TSMC prepares its 3nm ‘N3P’ technology for a range of customers, yields of its succeeding node have produced results beyond expectations. According to the latest report, the trial production yields of its 2nm node exceeded 60 percent, making it a phenomenal result for a plan that is in its early stages. Samsung, who is reportedly developing an Exynos chipset on the second-generation 2nm process codenamed ‘Ulysses’, has no yield count confirmation, which pretty much puts TSMC in first place.
Mass production is scheduled for next year, with demand for 2nm wafers reportedly higher than TSMC’s 3nm variants
As reported by the Liberty Times, TSMC is bulldozing what some might have believed to be its biggest challenge yet; reaching a high yield for its 2nm process. Keep in mind that there is massive room for improvement, with the foundry giant possibly raising the aforementioned figure to 70 percent before clients like Apple, Qualcomm, MediaTek, and others start placing orders for the 2nm process.
Fortunately, ample time remains for mass production to kick off because the report states that with trial production concluding, TSMC is expected to commence actual production sometime in 2025. The exact timeline has yet to be mentioned, but it has been reported that demand for 2nm wafers is higher than TSMC’s 3nm wafers, hinting that the company will witness a growth wave in the coming years.
We also reported that TSMC is planning not one but two 2nm fabrication plants. With both facilities operational, the company could reach a monthly production count of 40,000 wafers. As for which customer will be the first to receive the initial batch of 2nm shipments, Apple COO Jeff Williams made a visit to the region earlier this year, with the word on the street is that the executive wanted to ensure that the Cupertino giant becomes the first recipient of this batch.
Given Apple’s and TSMC’s healthy relationship, it is likely that the iPhone maker’s request will be entertained, but that does not mean that the iPhone 17 series will be the first to feature a 2nm SoC. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously mentioned that Apple is not expected to unveil the first cutting-edge A-series silicon before 2026, which is when the iPhone 18 lineup will arrive. Looking at TSMC's progress, it is no surprise that customers will line up to place orders.
News Source: Liberty Times
