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- Friday April 26
- 36 mins agoTSMC’s shrinking silicon roadmap could mean big things for your Apple devices
Macworld Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) just held its 2024 North America Technology Symposium, where it filled in attendees and investors on its technology roadmap for the future. You may rightly ask: okay but what does this have to do with me, a user of Apple products? Well, TSMC is a chip fabrication company, and likely the most advanced one in the world. They’ve been Apple’s partner for nearly all of its chips major chips—the A series for iPhones and iPads, the M series for Macs, and more. And Apple is often first in line for new manufacturing processes from TSMC, paying a premium to be the first customer to get to use 5nm or 3nm technologies, for example. Here’s a summary of the TSMC roadmap and what it might mean for future Apple silicon, and therefore future iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more. What’s a nanometer? Before we talk about TSMC’s future technologies, let’s have a quick reminder on what a “nanometer” is in this context. Technically, it’s one billionth of a meter. A human hair is between 50,000 and 100,000nm thick. Most bacteria are between 1,000 and 10,000 nanometers. In silicon process technology, the “nanometer” measurement is how big some of the features of the chip are. Different companies measure different features–it used to be the length between the source and drain parts of a field-effect transistor (FET), but these days different parts are measured by different companies. The A17 Pro chip was Apple’s first 3nm processor, followed by the M3. The A17 Pro chip was Apple’s first 3nm processor, followed by the M3.Apple The A17 Pro chip was Apple’s first 3nm processor, followed by the M3.Apple Apple In other words, 5nm means some specific parts of the chip are only 5 nanometers big, but TSMC’s 5nm is not the same as Intel’s 5nm, is not the same as Samsung’s 5nm, and so on. A smaller nanometer number means you can fit more chip logic or cache or whatever in the same amount of space, which can lead to more powerful chips, lower power consumption, smaller chips that fit into smaller devices, and so on. Think of it a bit like looking at a city in Apple Maps–zooming out makes everything smaller, putting more buildings, streets, and land on the same amount of screen. That’s what moving to a smaller nanometer process is like more “city” in the same space. There are many other important aspects of a microprocessor, including the way transistors are insulated, materials used, and so much more, but the “nanometer” measurement has stuck as a way of differentiating one major manufacturing generation from another. 3nm progress Apple was first with TSMC’s initial 3nm process, which was called N3. The company has now refined that with the N3E process, which is what we think Apple will use in its most advanced products this fall (A18 and M4). While it might seem significant, the main focus of N3E is to make the chips more affordable. There are some slight differences in density and performance but it’s not a major generational change. TSMC TSMC TSMC 2nm coming next year The next major change is the shift to 2nm, which is expected to happen in 2025. Apple is once again expected to be the first major (and possibly only) customer, so it’s possible that the A19 or other chips (maybe an M5?) that ship in late 2025 will use this process. It all comes down to TSMC’s ability to work out the kinks in manufacturing and yields and such in time to produce tens of millions of chips with it. Compared to the N3E process, the N2 process is expected to reduce power consumption by 25-30 percent (for a chip of the same complexity and frequency) or to improve performance by 10-15 percent at the same power consumption. Chip density (how much stuff fits into a single area) is expected to increase by 15 percent. An interesting change to this generation of chips, besides simply being smaller/denser/faster, is something TSMC calls “NanoFlex.” It will allow chip designers to use cells from different chip libraries all on the same wafer. Usually, a chip designer has to use all blocks from a “low power,” “high density,” or “high performance” library, depending on the most important needs of the chip. By letting designs use different parts from different libraries, chips can fine-tune different areas to their needs. For example, Apple could decide it is most important to make the video and audio encoders and decoders part of the chip as small as possible and lay out that part of the chip using the high-density design libraries while using the energy-efficient libraries for the low-power CPU cores and the high-performance libraries for the performance CPU cores. For the chips Apple produces, the limiting factor tends to be power and thermal dissipation. So you can probably expect chips made with the N2 process to have more “stuff” in them (cores, cache, bigger and more complex video encoders, etc) to the tune of 15-20 percent, with slightly higher clock speeds and therefore performance, compared to chips from the year before. However, the ability to optimize specific parts of the chip with tools from different chip libraries has the potential to pay off big in terms of higher “peak” performance or lower idle power. The year after N2 is released, TSMC will have two enhanced versions of the process: N2P which is focused on top performance, and N2X focused on lower voltages and power consumption. It’s unclear whether Apple will adopt one of those for the chips that come in 2026. A16—we’re doing angstroms now? The major shift after 2nm (N2) is a process TSMC calls A16 (no relation to the A16 Bionic). It’s a 1.6-nanometer process but now that things are getting so small, they’re sort of getting off “nanometers” and switching to “angstroms.” An angstrom is a ten-billionth of a meter, or 10 times smaller than a nanometer. This one is not coming until late 2026, almost certainly too late for Apple to use that year. We’ll see chips made with the A16 process from Apple in 2027, most likely. TSMC gave some early estimates compared to the coming N2P process, where A16 is expected to improve performance by 8-10 percent at the same voltage and complexity or reduce power by 15-20 percent at the same frequency and transistor count. The big innovation in the A16 generation will be backside power delivery, something TSMC calls “Super Power Rail.” This runs a network for power distribution on the back side of the silicon wafer, connected to the transistors through little tunnels through it. This improves density and potentially reliability, as power doesn’t have to be routed around with all the signal and clock distribution lines on the top side of the chip. Other chip manufacturers are pursuing similar technologies (Intel’s PowerVia comes to mind)—basically different approaches to the same idea. TSMC TSMC TSMC TSMC may be a little later than competitors like Intel with this kind of technology, as it has been pushed back a little. It was originally expected to debut in the N2P process, and now will be first introduced in A16 instead. Chips in Apple products that use the A16 process will be able to have even more stuff (more cores, bigger caches) than the N2 process while maintaining the same power profile. Having chips with more density or a better power profile earlier than others is one of Apple’s big advantages, but the real magic comes from excellent chip design and software development that optimizes Apple’s software specifically for the chips they produce. Apple Inc, CPUs and Processors39 mins agoFollowing a great launch quarter, China iPhone sales are pretty bad so far in 2024
After the second-best iPhone launch quarter Apple has ever had in China, new sales estimates claim that Apple also had the biggest quarterly drop it has ever had.iPhone 15 ProFigures from Counterpoint Research have already claimed that Apple's iPhone sales for Q1 2024 in China were down 19.1% year over year. Now Canalys says that sales were significantly worse with a 25% drop.Apple's decline was the worst amongst the top five vendors, selling 10 million iPhones, dropping from a 20% market share to a 15% one. That compares to the top reseller, Huawei, which shipped 11.7 million smartphones, rising to 17% share from 10% in Q1 2023. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums1 hour agoThe ridiculously long wait for iPads has reached 18 months
Macworld Earlier this week we got some surprising news out of Cupertino. After weeks of reported delays, Apple announced that it will be holding an event on May 7 with the tagline Let Loose that will presumably feature new iPads. That would make a whopping 559 days since the announcement of the 10th-gen iPad and M2 iPad Pros and even longer since the M1 iPad Air arrived at the Peek Performance event (March 2022). That’s an extremely long wait for new iPads; the longest ever, in fact. Apple had never gone a full calendar year without launching a new iPad or an update, let alone nearly halfway through the second year. So to say there is tremendous anticipation for the new iPads is an understatement. We’re expecting several new tablets and accessories to appear at the event, including: Updated iPad Air with a 10.9-inch screen and an M2 processor New 12.9-inch iPad Air with an M2 processor Updated 11-inch iPad Pro with an M3 processor and an OLED display Updated 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an M3 processor and an OLED display A new Apple Pencil with a squeeze gesture A new Magic Keyboard There may—and likely will—be other surprises, but we’re not expecting the iPad mini or entry-level iPad to get an update at the event. Based on the invitation and cheeky post from Tim Cook, Apple is going to lean into the iPad’s creative side, with a heavy focus on drawing and painting, the new things the Apple Pencil can do, and the color benefits of the iPad Pro’s new OLED screen. But when the fanfare fades away, the new iPad line could be very similar to the existing one, with higher prices. It’s possible that Apple delivers a refined design, exciting accessories, and new features that make the updates worth waiting more than 18 months to get. But more likely, they’re just gonna be the same old iPads that we just waited a long time to get. You can catch up on all of the latest rumors in our iPad Air and iPad Pro roundups ahead of the event. iPad10:20 amPeloton producer says Apple Watch saved her life
Peloton's Jessie Malone is running a marathon to mark one year since her Apple Watch saved her life by revealing a heart condition she was completely unaware she had.Malone is not just a young and fit woman who exercises regularly, she's a producer for Peloton in New York. Yet as she was cycling home in May 2023, her Apple Watch alerted her that she might have atrial fibrillation."It was saying you need to seek medical attention immediately," she told Today.com, . "It was red and vibrating. I was like, 'Oh my God.'"Her heart rate while she was cycling had risen to 160 beats per minute, but she says she hadn't felt anything other than a little nausea. Following her Apple Watch "blaring that my resting heart rate was elevated and also that I had gone into Afib," she says she dumped the electric bike and went to an emergency room. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums10:15 amVerizon offers upgrades to its Home Device Protect plan, which now covers almost all devices and second residence items | PowerPageVerizon offers upgrades to its Home Device Protect plan, which now covers almost all devices and second residence items
It never hurts to have insurance for all your devices and Verizon may have just upped its game in this department. The wireless carrier announced an update for its Home Device Protect plan that repairs or replaces an unlimited number of devices from computers, game consoles, smart home devices, TVs, and now robot vacuums, healthcare […] Source10:00 amThis $80 OneAir plan uses AI to land you the best airline tickets available
Macworld While travel costs continue to rise steadily, that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your vacation dreams. With OneAir, a members-only travel app, you can save on your travel planning by letting this platform’s AI find the best airfare deals. Through April 30, you can grab lifetime access to the OneAir Elite Plan for only $79.97 (reg. $790). By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, OneAir can scan and tracks millions of fares across business, first, premium, and economy class, ensuring members secure the best flight deals and mistake fares when they hit themarket. Elite members can choose up to 10 departure airports they wish to receive deals for, as well as gain 1-on-1 business and first class flight planning support Meanwhile, OneAir’s mobile app for iOS and Android making booking your next flight a breeze. Unlike other platforms that redirect customers to different outlets for ticket purchases, OneAir’s app allows you to spring into action immediately. If you find deals on the OneAir app, you can search and book on the same interface — no redirects needed. Plus, users can set up personalized deal alerts to get a better chance of finding discounts for their desired destinations. Save on future flights for life with a lifetime subscription to the OneAir Elite Plan, now just $79.97 through April 30 at 11:59 PM Pacific. OneAir Elite Plan: Lifetime Subscription Only $79.97 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. Entertainment10:00 amTSMC outlines 1.6-nanometer production process, other elements for next-gen chips
TSMC’s next-generation Apple silicon chips are only going to get smaller and more powerful. The chipmaker on Thursday announced plans to create 1.6-nanometer chips that could be used in future generations of Apple silicon processors. TSMC yesterday unveiled a series of technologies, including the “A16” process, which is a 1.6nm node. The new technology significantly […] Source09:00 amApple Thunderbolt Display requires native Thunderbolt, not just USB-C
Macworld Apple made its popular Apple Thunderbolt Display from 2011 to 2016–we still get questions about using the display eight years after it was discontinued. Even though the Thunderbolt Display used an older Thunderbolt standard, it remained compatible with Thunderbolt 3 when that newer standard was released, as well as with the even fresher Thunderbolt 4. The Apple Thunderbolt Display offered a Thunderbolt 2 data connection via a jack that is identical in appearance to Mini DisplayPort. Thunderbolt 3 requires USB-C, a standard that can connect devices and computers using Thunderbolt 3/4, USB 3.1 and later, and USB4. USB-C is a specification for ports, jacks, and cables; Thunderbolt and USB’s numbered standards define what flows over those connections. (There were some tweaky elements of using Mini DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 2 when Apple transitioned from the former to the latter, but none of that is relevant with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4.) If you want to use a Thunderbolt Display, most people rely on Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 to 3 adapter, for which Apple still charges a whopping $49. This adapter has a USB-C jack on one end, and you can only get the display to work if it’s plugged into a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port on your Mac or an external Thunderbolt dock. Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port. Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port.Foundry Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 to 3 display has a Thunderbolt 2 port in the main body, which looks identical to Mini DisplayPort, and a USB-C jack on the other end, which only works when plugged into a Thunderbolt 3/4 port.Foundry Foundry Plug it into a USB 3.x/USB4 port on an external dock or a USB 3.x/USB4-only port on certain Macs (like the lower-end Mac Studio models’ front two ports) and the display doesn’t function. The reason is convoluted. The display relies on DisplayPort data coming from the computer to show the screen. However, even though USB 3.x/USB4 support passing through DisplayPort data, the hardware on the Apple Thunderbolt Display can’t interpret that—it only has a chip that can accept Thunderbolt-encoded information, including the method by which DisplayPort is wrapped up for Thunderbolt. It’s one of the remaining cases where USB-C frustrates an average user with a mix of older and newer gear. The telltale is the lightning bolt symbol on Apple’s adapter: there’s a Thunderbolt lightning bolt on both the input side (for Thunderbolt 2) and output (for Thunderbolt 3/4). The USB logo is entirely different and absent. Learn more about connecting older Apple displays to a Mac. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Mike. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice. Mac, Monitors08:00 amYou can get a refurbished iPad Pro with a 9.7-inch display for only $171
Macworld Apple is touted for its iPads, which offer storage, performance, and more under a sleek package. While iPads are typically hundreds of dollars, you can score wallet-friendly savings with this pre-loved iPad Pro, which is now only $170.99 (reg. $599). Though this iPad Pro isn’t brand new, it boasts a Grade “B” refurbishment rating, meaning it may have light cosmetic imperfections, though its performance has been inspected to ensure it works properly. Thanks to its refurbished status, you can score savings on this device, as well as reduce electronic waste. Designed with a fully-laminated 9.7-inch LED-backlit touch-sensitive Retina display, this iPad Pro provides generous screen space for streaming, browsing, and working. Expect vibrant colors and sharp images and videos, and enjoy its automatically adjustable True Tone Technology. Its 2GB of RAM and Apple A9X dual-core processor means you’ll have snappy performance and seamless multitasking capabilities. This iPad Pro’s 32GB of storage space provides ample room for storing apps, media, and documents, while the four-speaker audio system promises immersive sound quality. This 2016 model boasts 12MP iSight and 5MP FaceTime HD cameras for vivid photos and clear FaceTime calls. Meanwhile, the 10-hour battery life is sufficient for a whole day’s work without recharging. Enjoy wallet-friendly savings on this eco-friendly Grade “B” refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro, now just $170.99 for a limited time. Grade “B” Refurbished 9.7-inch iPad Pro Only $170.99 at Macworld StackSocial prices subject to change. iPad01:39 amHow to Use Apple Managed Device Attestation to secure networks
Managed Device Attestation enables enterprises to verify Apple devices for security, protecting the corporate network. Here's how to use it.Apple Device Attestation.In our interconnected world, the issue of device identity plays a critical role in online security. Traditional security models use perimeter defenses plus a firewall to attempt to verify devices - and block malicious ones. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums12:54 amFormer Apple researchers launch startup focused on protecting iOS devices
Two former Apple employees who worked for the company as cybersecurity researchers are now launching their own startup. Called DoubleYou, the startup is focused on helping creators of cybersecurity products protect iOS devices and Macs. more…12:17 amVerizon reveals another price increase, this time for Apple Watch plans
Verizon has another price increase on the way. In an email to customers on Thursday, the company revealed a $5 per month price increase affecting plans tied to Apple Watch and other connected smartwatches. more…Thursday April 2511:31 pmArizona TSMC facility continues to fight cultural battles, rising costs & logistical hurdles | AppleInsiderArizona TSMC facility continues to fight cultural battles, rising costs & logistical hurdles
Apple chip partner TSMC faces significant barriers that impede the Arizona chip fabrication facility's progress, and the culture clash between American and Taiwanese employees doesn't seem to be getting batter.TSMC's Arizona facility grapples with rising costs & logistical hurdlesAs the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC's decision to expand into the US was met with widespread approval. Its strategic move is intended to secure supply chains and bring critical manufacturing capabilities closer to key markets.However, the project is now navigating through rising costs and unforeseen logistical issues that could impact timelines and budgets, according to Rest of World. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums11:15 pmFitness and wellness app Gentler Streak updated with support for more languages
Gentler Streak, the popular fitness and wellness app for Apple platforms, has just received an update that will make the app easier to use for more people around the world. That’s because the latest version of Gentler Streak has introduced support for Asian languages. more…09:49 pmiPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process | AppleInsideriPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process
TSMC has announced a breakthrough chip fabrication technology, with reduced node size, increased performance and better power management — all of which should ultimately lead to faster iPhones and Macs.TSMC has just announced an all-new chip production process called "A16"The new 1.6nm node process, dubbed A16, was announced at the company's annual North America Technology Symposium.With every new production process, TSMC reduces the node size allowing for more transistors on a processor. This ultimately allows for improved performance and reduced power consumption on newer chips. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:49 pmiPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process | AppleInsideriPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process
TSMC has announced a breakthrough chip fabrication technology, with reduced node size, increased performance and better power management — all of which should ultimately lead to faster iPhones and Macs.TSMC has just announced an all-new chip production process called "A16"The new 1.6nm node process, dubbed A16, was announced at the company's annual North America Technology Symposium.With every new production process, TSMC reduces the node size allowing for more transistors on a processor. This ultimately allows for improved performance and reduced power consumption on newer chips. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:49 pmiPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process | AppleInsideriPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process
TSMC has announced a breakthrough chip fabrication technology, with reduced node size, increased performance and better power management — all of which should ultimately lead to faster iPhones and Macs.TSMC has just announced an all-new chip production process called "A16"The new 1.6nm node process, dubbed A16, was announced at the company's annual North America Technology Symposium.With every new production process, TSMC reduces the node size allowing for more transistors on a processor. This ultimately allows for improved performance and reduced power consumption on newer chips. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:49 pmiPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process | AppleInsideriPhone 18 will probably get TSMC's newly announced next-generation 1.8nm chip process
TSMC has announced a breakthrough chip fabrication technology, with reduced node size, increased performance and better power management — all of which should ultimately lead to faster iPhones and Macs.TSMC has just announced an all-new chip production process called "A16"The new 1.6nm node process, dubbed A16, was announced at the company's annual North America Technology Symposium.With every new production process, TSMC reduces the node size allowing for more transistors on a processor. This ultimately allows for improved performance and reduced power consumption on newer chips. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums09:16 pmYes, the Gucci app for Apple Vision Pro is amazing
When Gucci published the “enhanced edition” of “Who is Sabato De Sarno? A Gucci Story” exclusively on the Apple Vision Pro spatial computer… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.09:14 pmBase-Model RAM in Apple Devices
It’s downright bizarre to think that come this fall, all iPhone 16 models will sport as much RAM as base model Macs.