The next big update for Apple Silicon might arrive in 2026

In accordance with the recent pieces of information shared by the analyst Ming Chi-Kuo, Apple might adopt the 2nm chip fabrication tech in the upcoming years. Kuo claims that Apple could move towards the advanced 2nm chip fabrication technology by 2026.

Recently, Kuo posted on Medium that Apple could use TSMC’s 2nm chip fabrication technology to design the chips for iPhones. Notably, the company’s A17 Pro chip is the first chip in the industry that is based on a 3nm fabrication process. It features increased transistor density, which provides improved performance and efficiency.

If true, it would be similar to its use of the 5-nanometer node throughout the three-year lifespan of the A14, A15, and A16 Bionic processors from 2020 to 2022, when the technology was carried over from one chip generation to another chip generation. The 3-nanometer node is likely to continue for three years, including the A17 Pro, “A18,” and “A19” from 2023 to 2025 if 2026 is the target year.

Similar to the 3-nanometer, the 2-nanometer increases transistor density while decreasing the smallest achievable dimension used in chip fabrication, leading to better performance and efficiency. In accordance with the information provided by Kuo, TSMC is improving its vertical integration capacities in association with ARM, the chip designer. It will enable a seamless and smooth transfer from the existing 3nm technology to the next-gen 2nm process. It is anticipated that Apple and Nvidia will be the first two companies to be potential clients for the 2nm chips.