A new report states that Apple’s first U.S. plant for A-series chips is set to begin mass production as early as this quarter. Test production by TSMC has already started, and Apple is now in the final stages of verifying the chips made in Arizona.
Apple’s ‘Made in America’ Chips
Apple first revealed its plan for ‘Made in America’ chips in 2022, and many saw the move as one of the key successes of the US CHIPS Act. This government program aims to reduce America’s reliance on China for advanced chips while creating jobs for U.S. workers. As part of the initiative, TSMC is building several chipmaking plants in Arizona, with some production dedicated to Apple chips for older devices.
Mass production initially planned for 2024 faced delays, pushing the start of production into this year. The production of smaller 2nm chips, originally scheduled for an earlier date, now faces a delay until 2028.
People raised concerns that the first plant would be useless since the chips would need to return to Taiwan for packaging. Apple later announced plans to build another U.S. facility for this process.
TSMC also faced controversy over its hiring practices, bringing in workers from Taiwan instead of recruiting in the U.S. The company initially called it a temporary measure, but it has continued, leading to a lawsuit that accuses the company of “anti-American discrimination.”
First U.S. Plant Nearly Set for Mass Production
A brief report from Nikkei suggests that test production has finished, and mass production is about to begin.
Apple is in the final stage of verifying its first “made in America” chips, produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. at its Arizona plant. Sources familiar with the matter say the first batch of commercially produced chips could arrive as soon as this quarter, after completing the quality assurance checks.
