There have already been several reports that the 2020 iPhone line-up will be equipped with a 5nm chip. Now the suspicion is being confirmed.
With a view to the "5G iPhone", TSMC has developed a 5-nanometer design infrastructure that can be used for future chip designs. For months, it has been reported that such a chip will be used in the 2020 iPhone - a statement from TSMC has now provided new fuel for the fire. The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR models are delivered with the well-known A12 chip and are the first smartphones in the world with a chip manufactured using the 7nm process. A manufacturing process based on 5nm would make the A-series chips significantly more powerful and energy efficient.
Small increase expected for iPhone 2019
The A13 chip is expected for the upcoming iPhone line-up. However, this will be manufactured using a new technology called extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV), based on the 7nm process. This makes this year's A13 chip significantly more powerful than most of today's thin-and-light laptops. If the A14 chip in the iPhone 2020 is actually manufactured using the 5nm process, it will continue to improve and leave all competitors behind.
Did TSMC reveal too much?
Chipmaker TSMC has announced the delivery of the full version of its 5nm design infrastructure as part of the Open Innovation Platform (OIP). It enables 5nm chips in next-generation advanced, mobile and high-performance HPC devices aimed at high-growth 5G and artificial intelligence markets. TSMC confirmed last month that it is preparing for 5nm chips. Previous rumors about the start of mass production in 2020 were not commented on. That has now changed. The chipmaker has told investors that production of chips based on the 5nm process will start in the first half of 2020. This would also play into Apple's hands, as new iPhones are usually presented in September. 3 months Kindle Unlimited membership for 0.00€ – only for a limited time
