Apple will reportedly use TSMC’s 2nm node for next-gen processors

In recent years, Apple has made the decision to move away from x86 processors from partners like Intel, instead choosing to develop its own ARM-based processors for Macs and MacBooks, with production/fabrication handled by TSMC.

Apple will reportedly be one of TSMC's first customers for its new 2nm process node, otherwise known as N2. South Korean site, gammaburst (via Techpowerup), found evidence of this on LinkedIn after scrolling through profiles for unintentional tech leaks. As it turns out, at least one Apple engineer confirmed work on 2nm chip designs on their profile. This same Apple employee also worked with TSMC's 5nm and 3nm designs.

This news shouldn't come as a surprise, as Apple has always tried to be at the forefront of the nanometre race. The company has partnered with TSMC many times over the years to produce chips for the iPhone, iPad, and now, Macs and MacBooks.

TSMC's N2 node is expected to offer a 10 to 15 percent performance-per-watt improvement over the previous N3 node. The current generation of Apple M-series processors uses TSMC's N3 node. With that in mind, Apple is likely looking to shift to 2nm designs for its M4 chip, which will debut in next generation Mac products.

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KitGuru Says: Apple has impressed greatly with its M-series ARM-based processors, which appear to have replaced Intel CPUs without any complaints from the wider Mac audience, except perhaps those who liked to dual-boot with Windows. 

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