2027 iPhones Could Arrive with the World’s First 1.6nm Processors

Apr. 26, 2024

The new 1.6nm node, named the“A16” processwas announced at the company’s annual North America Technology Symposium. With every new process, TSMC reduces the node size to allow more transistors on the processor. Compared to the N2P 2-nanometer process node, the newly announced A16 node process will offer notable upgrades and improvements. We can expect to see an increased speed of around 8 percent to 10 percent at the same voltage.

One of the key features of TSMC’s A16 chip manufacturing process is the innovativeSuper Power Rail (SPR) technology, which will greatly improve the chip density and performance. The power rails are moved to the back of the chip to allow additional signal rails on the front. Also, this implementation simplifies internal wiring and boosts energy efficiency.

Several other companies like Intel and Imec have already explored the backside power networks. That said, TSMC’s SPR technology is said to be more complex and efficient than other implementations.

TSMC suggested that the latest A16 chip manufacturing technology garnered considerable interest from AI companies. Now, we already knowApple has been showing some great interest in the AI spacerecently. Also, the giant relies upon TSMC for its chips. Considering this, we might expect to see this innovative production process in future Apple-designed chips.

What Does This Mean for Apple?

Apple products are usually the first devices to adopt innovative, state-of-the-art chip fabrication processes. For instance, Apple was the first one to utilize TSMC’s 3nm node with the A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 Pro and ‌iPhone 15 Pro‌ Max.We might see Apple following the same suite with TSMC’s upcoming nodes.

Well, Apple has a signature style where the most advanced chips first make their way to the iPhone, before they are tickled down to iPad and Mac lines. Then they eventually make their way to Apple TV and Apple Watch. The giant is more than likely to follow the same route for future product releases.