TSMC shows off 1.4nm chip tech that will appear in future iPhones and other devices

Engadget - Apr 24th, 2025

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. (TSMC) has announced the development of its 1.4-nanometer (nm) A14 process, set to enter production in 2028. This breakthrough technology promises a 15 percent performance boost and a 30 percent reduction in power consumption compared to the upcoming 2nm processors slated for 2025 production. The new 1.4nm process is expected to be utilized in processors for major companies like Apple, Intel, and AMD, offering a 20 percent logic density improvement over 2nm technology. This advancement suggests that these chips could be up to 30 percent faster and 60 percent more efficient than the current 3nm chips used in today's Apple products.

The implications of TSMC's announcement are significant in the context of ongoing advancements in semiconductor technology and the continued relevance of Moore's Law. As TSMC continues to push the boundaries with smaller, more efficient nodes, companies like Apple are expected to gradually adopt these new processes with each generation of their products. However, due to the gradual nature of technology adoption, Apple and other companies may not employ TSMC's 1.4nm technology for several more product cycles. This development underscores TSMC's pivotal role in the semiconductor industry and its influence on the future of consumer electronics, potentially reshaping performance standards across the industry.

Apple Amd Intel Tsmc 1.4nm Technology Semiconductor Manufacturing Chip Efficiency Moore's Law

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers TSMC's announcement of its 1.4nm process, providing insights into potential impacts on major tech companies like Apple, Intel, and AMD. It is timely and relevant, with clear explanations that make complex technological advancements accessible to readers. However, the article would benefit from greater source transparency and a more balanced presentation that includes critical perspectives and expert commentary. While it presents accurate information, the lack of explicit source attribution and detailed analysis limits its overall impact and engagement potential. By incorporating more diverse viewpoints and expert insights, the article could enhance its credibility and influence in discussions about the future of semiconductor technology.

Accuracy

The article presents a generally accurate portrayal of TSMC's advancements in semiconductor technology, specifically the announcement of its 1.4nm A14 process. The claims about the performance improvements and power efficiency align with industry expectations for node advancements. However, the article would benefit from more precise data or direct quotes from TSMC or industry experts to substantiate these claims. The timeline for Apple's adoption of the new technology is speculative, and while it seems reasonable, it lacks direct confirmation from Apple or TSMC. The article's mention of potential usage by Intel and AMD is plausible but should be verified with statements from those companies.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on TSMC's technological advancements and their implications for major tech companies like Apple, Intel, and AMD. While it provides a clear view of TSMC's plans, it does not explore potential challenges or criticisms regarding the feasibility of the technology or its impact on the industry. The article could be more balanced by including perspectives from industry analysts or competitors who might offer a critical view of TSMC's projections.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey complex technological advancements. It effectively explains the implications of TSMC's new process technology for major tech companies, making it accessible to readers with a basic understanding of semiconductor technology. However, the article could benefit from a clearer distinction between confirmed information and speculative projections.

Source quality

The article lacks explicit citations or references to primary sources such as press releases from TSMC or statements from involved companies like Apple, Intel, or AMD. This absence of direct source attribution slightly undermines the credibility of the information presented. Including statements from industry experts or analysts would enhance the article's reliability and depth.

Transparency

The article does not clearly state the sources of its information, nor does it provide insight into the methodology behind TSMC's technological claims. There is a lack of transparency about how the performance and efficiency statistics were derived. A more detailed explanation of the basis for these claims would improve the article's transparency and help readers assess the credibility of the information.