Apple is soon going to launch its 5-nanometer-based A14X processor that is designed specifically for the first Apple Silicon Mac and the next-generation iPad Pro. This processor will enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2020 as has been reported by DigiTimes.
This will be manufactured at TSMC for the new Apple Silicon processors and the monthly productions are estimated to be 5,000-6,000 wafers, according to sources from the industry. Apple is gearing up for the upcoming launch of its new MacBook and iPad Pro series powered by its self-designed Arm-based processors.
TSMC announced a $25 billion investment in the new 5nm node technology last year and it remains the exclusive supplier of Apple’s processors. The first product using this processor will perhaps be a super-lightweight 12-inch MacBook with a battery life of 15 to 20 hours.
This chipset will reportedly be used in the upcoming iPhone 12 models. The processor is Codenamed “Tonga”. At its WWDC developer conference in June 2020, Apple has already stated that the Macs will no longer use the Intel x86-based CPUs.
According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently developing at least three Mac processors based on the A14 chip. The first self-manufactured processors will have 12 cores, including eight high-performance cores and at least four energy-efficient cores.
Also, the second generation of Mac processors based on the A15 chip is already under the process of being developed as well. It is speculated that Apple is rumored to be planning to release a high-end 12.9-inch iPad Pro with a mini-LED display that is supplied by Innolux in the first half of 2021.
Apple was originally planning to launch the device in the fall of 2020, but the pandemic took away this opportunity. However, trial production on the new iPad Pro reportedly began in June and we can expect a range of products very soon with the new set of Apple’s own processor and technology.
