Apple may be first to use TSMC’s 3nm process for new M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets

2022 Apple MacBook Pros will be reportedly powered by the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets. According to a report by Commercial Times, Apple will use the in-house M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets made with TSMC’s latest 3nm manufacturing process in the upcoming MacBook Pro models.

The report claims that TSMC, the world's largest semiconductor contract manufacturer, has been steadily building out its 3nm production processes and Apple could be the first customer to get its hands on those chips. As per AppleInsider, the report also claims that Apple will use 3nm wafers for the first time in the second half of 2022, likely for its M2 Pro chipsets.

Future releases built on the 3nm process could include the iPhone-specific A17 chipset, as well as a future third-generation of the M series. Commercial Times also reported that TSMC will begin mass production of its 3nm wafers in September.

The report added that the initial yield will be higher than when TSMC switched to 5nm processes. Compared to previous chip making processes, semiconductors made using the 3nm process could bring increased power efficiency and performance to Apple's devices.

Prior reports indicate that Apple will use the M2 Pro chip -- and possibly an M2 Max -- in its 14-inch MacBook Pro, 16-inch MacBook Pro, and Mac mini models later in 2022 or early 2023.

(With inputs from IANS)