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First iPhone Chips Made in America Soon to Start Mass Production

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Apple is nearing the start of mass production for its first U.S.-made A-series chips at TSMC's Arizona plant, Nikkei Asia reports.

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The report suggests that test production of the chips at the new TSMC plant near Phoenix has already been completed, and Apple is now in the final stages of verifying their quality and performance. The first batch of commercially viable chips could be ready for mass production as early as this quarter, pending the completion of quality assurance processes.

The factory is expected to produce A-series chips used in Apple devices, primarily for older iPhone models. A recent report suggested the facility would make the A16 Bionic chip for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and the S9 chip for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The commencement of mass production at the Arizona plant will mark the first time Apple silicon chips are manufactured in the United States.

Tags: Nikkei, TSMC, United States

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Top Rated Comments

S
Skimac
15 months ago
this is good news we need to start producing more of our products in America
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JapanApple Avatar
JapanApple
15 months ago
Another step from depending on China's parts etc.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
coffeemilktea Avatar
coffeemilktea
15 months ago

The commencement of mass production at the Arizona plant will mark the first time Apple silicon chips are manufactured in the United States.
Cutting-edge chips being manufactured in the USA, what a time to be alive. :cool:
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D
DelayedGratificationGene
15 months ago
Great news.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
thejadedmonkey
15 months ago

Can someone educate my ignorance?

Why on earth did TSMC decide to build their plant in Arizona? Doesn't chip manufacturing require MASSIVE amounts of water? Why not build the plant in somewhere like OH, PA, TN, MI, literally any state with an abundance of water? Seems really counterintuitive and a recipe for disaster down the road. Again, maybe that's just my ignorance on the topic. Would be happy to hear any insight.
Geological stability is more important, and most of the water used can be re-used. Additionally, production benefits from a dry climate and humidity control - both harder to do in Ohio, PA, etc.

Plus, IIRC Intel has or will have a fab in Ohio, so it's probably better to spread manufacturing capacity around.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
T
TechnoMonk
15 months ago

Can someone educate my ignorance?

Why on earth did TSMC decide to build their plant in Arizona? Doesn't chip manufacturing require MASSIVE amounts of water? Why not build the plant in somewhere like OH, PA, TN, MI, literally any state with an abundance of water? Seems really counterintuitive and a recipe for disaster down the road. Again, maybe that's just my ignorance on the topic. Would be happy to hear any insight.

Money and politics.
AZ was a big player in chip fabs in 80s and 90s. Motorola along with Intel had huge fabrication facility in AZ, which were shut down in 2000s and plants moved to Asia. Arizona has long history in semiconductors compared to any of the states you mentioned. Not everything has to be money and politics. ASU was key source of providing semi conductor talent, and they are converting old Motorola Manufacturing facility to specialized zone for fabs.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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