Apple’s iPhone 18 processor may have the biggest year-over-year price increase yet, as the company’s chip partner pushes into 2nm manufacturing.
Dies on wafers. Image credit: TSMC
Dies on wafers. Image credit: TSMC
Supply-chain reporting suggests Apple’s A20 chip could cost as much as $280 per unit, roughly 80% higher than the prior generation. Earlier reporting estimated a smaller increase, but newer projections have climbed as manufacturing challenges persist.
Apple is expected to build its A20 chip on TSMC’s 2-nanometer process. The transition prioritizes performance and efficiency gains but brings higher manufacturing costs and tighter production constraints.