Apple Stock News: Unlikely to Feature TSMC’s First 2nm Chip

Apple Stock News: Reports that next year’s iPhone 17 will use TSMC’s 2nm process are “fake news,” according to reliable source “Phone Chip Expert.” The Weibo user stated that the 2nm process won’t be mass-produced until the end of 2025, so the iPhone 17 will use TSMC’s 3nm process. They expect the 2nm process to be used in the iPhone 18. Phone Chip Expert criticized a Zhitong Finance article as “unscrupulous.” While TSMC plans to start 2nm chip production next year, reports suggested an accelerated timeline. Apple, TSMC’s main client, usually gets new chips first, like the 3nm chips used in 2023 iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The 2nm process, or “N2,” promises a 10-15% speed boost or a 25-30% power reduction compared to 3nm technology. The A17 Pro chip in iPhone 15 Pro models uses TSMC’s first-gen 3nm process, N3B, while the new iPad Pro’s M4 chip uses an enhanced 3nm version. iOS 18 code confirms that all iPhone 16 models will use Apple’s A18 chip, based on TSMC’s N3E process. Phone Chip Expert, known for accurate predictions, revealed the iPhone 7’s water resistance and the iPhone 14’s chip details. They also reported that Apple is developing its own AI server processor with TSMC’s 3nm process, aiming for mass production by late 2025.
New Compact Camera Module
In 2025, Apple will introduce Sunny Optical as a new compact camera module (CCM) supplier for future MacBook models with the next-generation M5 chip, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Kuo’s latest investor note states that Sunny Optical will produce the CCMs in Vietnam, providing a complete imaging system for the new laptops. Currently, LG InnoTek and Sharp supply camera modules for MacBooks. Sunny Optical’s ability to supply both CCM and lenses in a single package gives it a competitive edge.
If successful, Sunny Optical could also become the CCM supplier for future iPhone and iPad models. Apple plans to update the 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 chip by late 2024, with potential refreshes for high-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. Apple is developing a thinner MacBook Pro, inspired by the ultrathin 2024 iPad Pro. This design shift aims to produce the “thinnest and lightest products” in each category. A redesigned MacBook Pro with the M5 chip might debut in 2025. Apple is also working on Face ID for Mac, with the MacBook Pro likely being one of the first to receive this feature, though no specific timeline is available.
PRESTO Fare Card
Apple and Metrolinx announced that Toronto commuters can now add the PRESTO card to the Wallet app, allowing fare payment on buses, streetcars, trains, and the subway using an iPhone or Apple Watch. Funds can be loaded directly in the app. With Express Mode, users can pay by holding their device near a reader without unlocking it, even if the battery is dead for up to five hours.
PRESTO is accepted by TTC, UP Express, HSR, MiWay, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Oakville Transit, York Region Transit, and GO Transit, but not OC Transpo in Ottawa. To add a PRESTO card, tap the plus sign in Wallet, select Transit Card, then PRESTO. Converting a physical card will disable its physical functionality. The digital version supports various fare types and Ontario’s new One Fare program. This feature requires an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16.4+, or an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with watchOS 9.4+.