TSMC's 3nm node powers up, setting stage for tech giants' next-gen chips

TSMC will see its 3nm node represent over 20 percent of its revenue this year as the node of choice for upcoming processors designed by AMD, Apple, and Intel.

The semiconductor giant's 3nm process was introduced in late 2022 and hit its stride in 2023. However, Apple is currently the only company to use processors fabricated on TSMC's 3nm node. The A17 for the latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max use the N3B variant, while M3 chips for the 2023 MacBook lineup use an undisclosed 3nm variant.

TSMC's Q4 earnings report says 15 percent of its revenue came from 3nm production, and the company has said 3nm will continue to ramp throughout the year.

Taiwanese media, per ICsmart, expects 3nm revenue share will increase to 20 percent or more, and it's thanks to Apple's continued use of the node and the introduction of two more big players.

Given that TSMC's upcoming 2nm is scheduled for production in 2025, 3nm will remain the company's most cutting-edge node, and naturally Apple will continue to use it. The rumored A18 mobile and M4 computer chips will be fabbed on 3nm like their predecessors, though Apple might choose a different 3nm variant this time around. $Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM.US)$ $Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.US)$