Rumor: Intel uses 3nm process TSMC for laptop and server CPUs

Apple and Intel are the first manufacturers to have chips produced on TSMC’s 3nm process, sources tell Nikkei Asia. Apple would start using 3nm chips in iPads and Intel would like to make 3nm chips for laptops and servers.

TSMC’s first product with a 3nm chip is likely to be an iPad, say the Nikkei Asia sources. It would be a model that will be released in the second half of 2022. Apple would provide its iPhones with 4nm chips in the same year. The iPhones that will be released this year will probably have 5nm chips.

According to the sources, Intel is working with TSMC on “at least two projects” using the 3nm process. It would concern chips for laptops and servers. Mass production is not expected until the end of 2022 at the earliest. The sources state that Intel will purchase more 3nm chips from TSMC than Apple.

In a response to Nikkei Asia, Intel confirms that it is working with TSMC for products that will be released in 2023, but the manufacturer does not provide details about which products these are and the process used to make them. Apple and TSMC have not commented substantively.

TSMC reported early this year that the development of its 3nm process is on track and that test production will start this year. Mass production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022.