TSMC’s 2nm Trial Production Yields Are ‘Now Well Above’ 60 Percent Yield

TSMC’s 2nm Production: High Yields and Imminent Full-Scale Manufacturing

• TSMC’s trial production of 2nm chips has achieved yields significantly above 60 percent, according to an analyst, indicating that full-scale manufacturing is imminent.

• This progress is crucial for TSMC’s plans to deliver the first batch of 2nm wafers to its customers, with Apple’s iPhone 18 series, expected in late 2026, likely being the first recipient of the advanced chips.

• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts TSMC could produce 50,000 to 80,000 2nm wafers by the end of 2025, depending on the operational capacity of its facilities, potentially meeting anticipated demand.

• To further boost production and attract more clients, TSMC is introducing a ‘CyberShuttle’ service in April, enabling customers to evaluate chips on shared test wafers, thus reducing costs and potentially broadening the adoption of its 2nm technology.

TSMC is currently making significant strides in its production of 2nm wafers, with recent reports indicating that trial production yields have now exceeded 60 percent. This milestone is critical as TSMC aims to ramp up production to satisfy the demand from its major clients. The company’s trial production figures stated three months ago are showing improvements, bolstering optimism about transitioning to full-scale manufacturing soon.

Apple is anticipated to be the primary customer for these 2nm chips, particularly for the iPhone 18 series, which is expected to launch in the second half of 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has mentioned that Apple’s new chipset for this series will utilize the 2nm lithography technology. Previously, it was uncertain if all iPhone 18 models would feature the new 2nm A-series SoC due to potential cost concerns, but current expectations suggest that more models may incorporate this advanced technology.

As of now, TSMC is projected to produce around 50,000 2nm wafers by the end of 2025, with the potential to increase this number to 80,000 from its Baoshan and Kaohsiung facilities, which are fully operational. Additionally, TSMC is working on reducing production costs per wafer, which could lead to increased orders from other companies apart from Apple. The introduction of the ‘CyberShuttle’ service in April is aimed at allowing customers to evaluate their chips concurrently on the same test wafer, further aiding in cost reduction.

The competitive landscape remains critical, as Samsung has been losing ground in the foundry market, and TSMC’s advancements in 2nm technology may solidify its lead. There are broader implications for various tech firms and the supply chain, as TSMC continues to refine its processes and expand its capabilities. Overall, the developments in TSMC’s 2nm production are closely watched, indicating significant potential for both the company and its partners in the imminent semiconductor landscape.