Apple orders A16 SoC production from TSMC plant in United States

The US branch of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) has begun operations at its new fabrication plant. One of the top producers of semiconductors in the world is based in Arizona and has already put its first chips into production. What’s interesting is that these are two generations old iPhone chips.

The A16 SoC from Apple, which made its debut in the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, is now being manufactured at the Arizona facility. Those versions, which went on sale in 2022, are already two years old (and can be bought reconditioned at Amazon for $679.95).

The A16 chips being made in Arizona use the same N4P process used by the main plant in Taiwan, according to Tim Culpan. While it may seem odd that Apple has ordered chips for a two-year-old phone, keep in mind the A16 also powers the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus. However, there may be another reason Apple has ordered the new chips.

The new production has stirred up rumors that the iPhone SE 4, which is speculated to carry over the design language of the iPhone 14, will be powered by the A16, specifically those being manufactured in Arizona. Other rumors point to a new iPad Mini as the recipient of the Arizona-made silicon.

The United States has been shelling out big bucks to encourage silicon manufacturing companies to open new plants on American soil. Apple manufacturing an SoC for an upcoming iPhone or iPad is sure to spur more manufacturing in the country.

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