Partners since Apple’s transition from Intel chips, TSMC has reportedly received orders of M5 chips, advancing 3nm tech for Apple’s cutting-edge devices and AI performance.
Apple has placed orders with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) for its upcoming M5 chip series, according to a report by MacRumors. These new processors will utilise TSMC’s 3nm process, continuing Apple’s trend of using advanced manufacturing technology, although it has chosen not to adopt the newer 2nm process due to cost considerations.
According to the report, Apple’s decision to avoid the 2nm process may also be due to the potential use of this technology in its 20th-anniversary MacBook Pros, set for release in 2026 with the M6 chip.
The M5 chip will feature significant advancements over the M4, including TSMC’s 3D System on Integrated Chip (SoIC) technology, which will improve thermal management and reduce electrical leakage.
Devices likely to feature the M5 chip include the iPad Pro (late 2025 or early 2026), MacBook Pro (late 2025), MacBook Air (early 2026), and an updated version of the Apple Vision Pro (fall 2025 to spring 2026). The M5’s dual-use SoIC design is also expected to enhance AI performance for both Apple’s devices and cloud services.
Additionally, Apple is collaborating with TSMC on a new hybrid SoIC design using carbon fibre composite materials, with small-scale trial production beginning in July.
Since 2020, TSMC has played a crucial role in Apple’s transition from Intel chips.
